The Minister of Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa, has issued a stern warning to striking teachers, giving them one week to resume duties or face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

Speaking to the press at the Uganda Media Center on 2nd October, 2025, Hon. Muruli appealed to teachers to return to classrooms in the interest of pupils and parents, emphasizing that the government has already taken steps to address some of their welfare concerns.

“As you are aware, government hired the teachers to provide teaching services. Those who feel they cannot work under the prevailing salary scale are free to resign so that we give way to those willing to serve under the current conditions,” Muruli stated.

The minister highlighted government efforts to improve teacher welfare, revealing that over UGX 4 billion has been injected into teachers’ SACCOs.

Additional initiatives are under consideration, including staff accommodation and cabinet approval to enable four children of teachers to access free education. UGX 2.5 billion has also been earmarked for teacher welfare in the next financial year.

Hon. Muruli assured that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remains committed to improving the welfare of all public servants and is pursuing collective solutions to address salary disparities. Government plans include enhancing the salaries of Humanity teachers by 25 percent of the approved 77 percent long-term pay target in the 2026/2027 financial year.

The Ministry of Public Service has already submitted financial requirements for salary adjustments covering Humanity teachers, public university staff, primary school teachers, and other officers earning below 25 percent of the approved target, for inclusion in the next national budget.

The minister also cautioned teachers’ unions against declaring industrial action prematurely, noting that the “90 days’ notice contained in your letters does not meet the legal requirements.”

He stressed that negotiations on salary matters are ongoing and that all dispute-resolution mechanisms have not yet been exhausted.

Hon. Muruli directed district education officers and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) to closely monitor compliance and take necessary action against teachers who defy the directive.

The ongoing nationwide strike, which has disrupted learning across Uganda, comes from teachers’ demands for salary increases and improved welfare, with unions insisting that government fulfill its pledges before resuming work.