The Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) has officially called off its nationwide strike following a breakthrough agreement with President Yoweri Museveni that includes a 20% salary increment and additional incentives.
The resolution was announced Monday, 30th June 2025 after a high-level meeting between UPHTU leaders and President Museveni at State House, Entebbe.
The strike, which began on June 6, 2025, had paralyzed learning in secondary schools, teacher training institutions, and colleges of commerce across the country.
President Museveni assured the teachers of government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions for Arts educators similar to the phased salary enhancement strategy previously applied to the military and judiciary.
“During the war, we prioritized soldiers’ welfare to maintain national security. Later, we began phased improvements, starting with Shs 3.5 million for the Chief Justice. We can do the same for Arts teachers build staff houses, offer free education for their children, and increase salaries over time,” Museveni said.
He also confirmed that teachers are expected to return to work immediately and resume marking Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) assessments.
Teopista Akello, the UPHTU President confirmed the union’s decision to suspend the strike. She said government had granted a 10% tax waiver, which effectively delivers a 20% net salary increase for Humanities teachers in the 2025/2026 financial year.
“The remaining 25% salary increment will be provided in the 2026/2027 budget,” Teopista noted.
She adds that other non-monetary incentives such as housing and education support for teachers’ children were also under consideration.
She also revealed that government had pledged to act against another teachers’ union allegedly withholding UPHTU members’ subscription fees unlawfully.
“In light of these developments, I hereby suspend the industrial action as we await the completion of internal processes. We shall continue to update members on all progress,” she added.
The teachers had gone on strike demanding salary equity with their science counterparts, who have enjoyed significant pay rises under the government’s differentiated pay structure.
UPHTU had also sought independent negotiations, outside the framework of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), which they accused of government bias.
The Ministry of Education had previously warned that prolonged industrial action could disrupt the academic calendar and national examinations if left unresolved.
With the latest developments, UPHTU expressed optimism that the new agreement marked a turning point for Humanities educators, paving the way for fairness and long-term professional recognition.
