By Mike Rwothomio

As the teachers’ strike, led by the Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU), enters its third week, a significant number of public primary schools in Zombo district are transferring their Primary Seven (P.7) candidates to private institutions to continue their education, according to reports.

The industrial action, which began on September 15, 2025, stems from unresolved salary disparities, prompting UNATU to initiate a nationwide strike.

This decision coincides with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) releasing the 2025 examination timetable, with Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) exams commencing on October 13 and Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) briefing scheduled for October 31.

In an interview on September 29, 2025, a headteacher from a government-aided school in Paidha Town Council explained, “We have collaborated with a private school to ensure syllabus coverage for our P.7 candidates. We are approaching this with compassion, despite supporting the strike.” 

A teacher from a private school in Paidha, speaking anonymously, confirmed, “We are accommodating P.7 candidates from public schools, as our teaching and learning processes continue uninterrupted. We empathize with these learners.”

The strike has left Zombo’s 92 public primary schools, serving over 80,000 pupils, closed, with learners joining millions nationwide unable to attend classes.

A public school teacher expressed frustration, stating, “We sympathize with our candidates, but we cannot teach without a salary increment.” 

Some private schools in Zombo report increased enrollment from lower primary levels, as parents cite uncertainty surrounding the resolution of teachers’ grievances.

Zombo district faces significant educational challenges, including a 10% dropout rate, poor academic performance, high rates of early marriage, and teenage pregnancies.

 Stakeholders warn that the prolonged strike could exacerbate these issues, with only 23 candidates achieving Division One in last year’s PLE, while many scored low grades.

Francis Bolingo, the opposition coalition leader in Zombo, urged the government and UNATU to negotiate urgently, stating, “This strike is critical. We call for a compromise to ensure learners return to school. Forcing teachers to work without addressing their concerns risks ineffective teaching, jeopardizing learners’ futures.”

The West Nile sub-region, where Zombo is located, faces a dire educational landscape, with 28.7% of the population never having attended school, 48% completing only some primary education, and just 7.8% of over 3 million residents considered literate.

There is growing concern that an unresolved strike could mirror the post-COVID-19 period, during which over 6,000 teenage girls, primarily learners, became pregnant or married due to prolonged school closures.

UNATU General Secretary Filbert Baguma, in a September 28, 2025 address, defended the strike, emphasizing its necessity despite the critical academic term.

The Schools remain under the lock and key , as the industrial action enters third week.

“We are aware of the upcoming examinations and cherish our learners, but the responsibility lies with those who have failed to address teachers’ concerns. Unmotivated teachers cannot deliver effectively,” Baguma stated, urging stakeholders to view the issue holistically.

The strike, involving approximately 150,000 UNATU members, sparked parliamentary debates on September 16, 2025, with legislators advocating for dialogue over intimidation to resolve the salary disparities.

Last week, the State Minister for Primary Education Joyce Moriku Kaducu acknowledged the government’s plan to address these disparities in the 2025/26 national budget, noting ongoing negotiations.

In 2022, a similar strike ended after government promises of phased salary increases, which remain unfulfilled.

While President Museveni has not commented directly, First Lady and Education Minister Janet Kataaha Museveni speaking after President Museveni's nomination in Kololo, urged teachers to resume work, assuring them of future salary increments.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations