President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured arts teachers across Uganda that the government is committed to increasing their salaries.
Speaking during a recent public engagement aired on New Vision TV, the President acknowledged the ongoing concerns among teachers in the arts and humanities fields, who have long complained of salary inequality compared to their counterparts in the sciences.
Museveni said that while science teachers received salary enhancements earlier, the government had never forgotten the arts teachers and is working on a step-by-step plan to address the issue.
“We shall handle your salary matters,” Museveni assured. “What is important is that we are now planning for it carefully to ensure it’s sustainable.”
In 2022, the Ugandan government increased salaries for science teachers, leaving out arts and humanities teachers.
This caused widespread protests and dissatisfaction among arts teachers, who felt disrespected and undervalued.
The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has since called for equal treatment of all educators, regardless of their subject specializations.
Many arts teachers welcomed the President’s words, though some expressed caution, saying they want to see action, not just promises.
A teacher from Wakiso said: “We appreciate the President’s promise, but we hope this won’t be another long wait like before.”
Government officials say the Ministry of Public Service is currently reviewing wage structures and that the Ministry of Finance is identifying possible funding sources.
If approved, the pay rise may be included in the 2026/2027 national budget, starting with incremental increases.
