Don't strike, Museveni tells teachers

Jul 12, 2013

President Yoweri Museveni has warned teachers against getting involved in a planned strike. Speaking at a rally at Makulubita in Luwero district on Wednesday, Museveni said the strike would divert the state from addressing other pertinent issues.



By Vision reporter

President Yoweri Museveni has warned teachers against getting involved in a planned strike. Speaking at a rally at Makulubita in Luwero district on Wednesday, Museveni said the strike would divert the state from addressing other pertinent issues.

“Teachers, do not dare go on strike. There are many people searching for jobs. Don’t divert us,” he warned, according to a statement from State House.

The President is currently touring Luwero Triangle to reinforce efforts against poverty among National Resistance Movement (NRM) veterans.

The UNATU executive on June 25, gave the Government a 90-day ultimatum to include their 20% salary increment in this year’s budget, lest they hold a countrywide strike.

This followed last year’s Government commitment to enhance teachers’ pay in a phased manner, starting with a 15% increment in financial year 2012/2013 and 20% in 2013/14.

Another 15% would come in 2014/2015, thus making it a 50% increment.

The Government fulfilled the first 15% pledge but this year’s budget is silent about the 20% increment for 2013/2014. Museveni’s warning comes about 20 days since UNATU issued the ultimatum.

He said the Government would first prioritise crucial issues and address matters of salaries at the appropriate time.

Due to resource constraints, Museveni said the Government had to prioritise, starting with Universal Primary Education which has facilitated mass education and boosted literacy across the country.

He, however, gave assurances that the Government was making every effort to solve the challenges bedevilling the education sector.

Museveni explained that economic development starts with infrastructure development and wealth creation, especially at household level.

He emphasised the need to develop good infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools and hospitals first.

He, however, added that infrastructure on its own would be useless without household income creation.

“You should not wait to have tarmac roads, but embark on creating wealth in your homes,” he told the villagers.

He directed energy minister Irene Muloni to consider extending electricity to Kalanda, Kagembe and Mawale trading centers to spur economic development in the area.

He also pledged 350 iron sheets and cement towards the rehabilitation of Kalasa Church of Uganda, while Kawumu Church of Uganda will get 200 iron sheets as well as cement.

He also cautioned the public against sectarianism along tribal and regional lines.

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