MPs urge government to resolve pay disparity for arts teachers

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Members of Parliament have urged the government to address the long-standing pay disparity between arts and science teachers, warning that the ongoing industrial action by arts teachers could disrupt learning in public schools across the country.

The MPs raised the matter during a sitting of Parliament on Monday, October 20, 2025, expressing concern that the strike has left many learners unattended at a critical stage of the academic term.

Tororo district Woman MP, Sarah Opendi, said students preparing for their final exams are at risk of missing lessons because of the unresolved salary differences.

"It is very sad to see children loitering in villages instead of being in school. Even when the strike was called off, the motivation of arts teachers to teach is not there. Children in private schools are learning while those in public schools are being left behind," Opendi said.

Joseph Ssewungu (Kalungu West County, NUP) expressed concern about the likely poor performance of candidates in national examinations such as the Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) due to limited instructional time in key subjects like English and Social Studies.

"UNEB sets exams based on the syllabus and curriculum given to learners. Primary Seven candidates have not been studying, yet they will still be graded after PLE. Parents struggle to pay school fees, but their children are not learning. This matter must be addressed urgently," Ssewungu said.

He noted that some pupils are attempting to study using materials printed in newspapers, which he said are not sufficient for proper learning. Ssewungu reminded the House that similar issues had been discussed during the 9th Parliament, when the government agreed to raise teachers’ salaries in phases, a model he suggested could be revived.

The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, proposed that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development provide supplementary funding to resolve the pay dispute.

"The minister of finance can bring a supplementary schedule, as is done several times each financial year. What teachers need now is a clear government commitment," Ssenyonyi said.

Presiding over the session, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa informed the House that Parliament had received two petitions on the matter, one from the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) and another from the Uganda Technical and Vocational Trainers’ Union (UTVTU).

He said the Parliamentary Committee on Education and Sports is reviewing the petitions and is expected to present its report within two weeks. 

"The committee will meet officials from the ministries of education and sports, public service, and finance, planning and economic development. Rule 86(4) of our Rules of Procedure is clear on anticipation: a matter before a committee cannot be debated in the House," Tayebwa noted.