By Zoomer Africa Editorial

Kibuku, Uganda: Teachers in Kibuku District have joined their colleagues across the country in a sit-down strike that began as the third term of the 2025 school year opened, demanding long-overdue salary increments and improved welfare.

The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) declared the industrial action on Tuesday, September 11, citing three years of unfulfilled government promises. According to UNATU General Secretary Filbert Bates Baguma, a meeting initially scheduled for tomorrow has been pushed to Saturday, September 20, with teachers urged to stay home until the outcome is communicated.

Kibuku District UNATU Chairman Samuel Kyaide expressed frustration, accusing government of betraying teachers with repeated broken promises. “Enough is enough,” Kyaide declared, stressing that President Museveni’s 2022 pledge on salary enhancements has never materialised.

Kadama PS Office block under key and lock as teachers keep away over salary increment

Some Chief Administrative Officers have written to headteachers and union leaders, calling for dialogue, but insiders note little progress is expected since most executives are standing firmly behind UNATU’s directives.

While a handful of schools initially kept candidate classes running, by Wednesday nearly all had closed. A survey by DailyExpress at Nandere, Kadama, Buseta, and Kakutu Primary Schools found classrooms deserted, with children kept at home as parents anxiously await government action.

Parents in Kibuku voiced concern that prolonged teacher absence could push learners into idleness, drug abuse, or early pregnancies. They appealed to government to urgently resolve the impasse, warning that the district’s poor Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) record over the past two years could worsen.

Deserted classrooms at Kadama Primary School in Kibuku District as teachers joined the nationwide strike demanding salary increments.

The Office of the President confirmed receipt of UNATU’s letter. Secretary to the President Hajji Yunus Kakande called for calm and dialogue to safeguard stability. However, discontent remains high among arts teachers, who argue they were sidelined during salary enhancements awarded to their science counterparts.

UNATU, in a statement, reiterated the importance of solidarity, urging teachers to stand firm until meaningful reforms are implemented.

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