Several primary schools in Kabale district have remained closed as teachers went on strike on July 29, 2024, due to delayed salary payments for June 2024.

Headteachers from Rwancerere Primary School, Butanda Primary School, Kagoma Primary School, and Buranga Primary School, among others, took the drastic step of shutting down their schools, leaving students unattended to and without instruction.

The Chief Administrative Officer, John Asiimwe, addressed the issue during a meeting with representatives of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) at the District Headquarters. He stated that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service were aware of the problem, attributing the delays to a shortfall in the wage bill.

Despite the teachers’ justification, the Branch Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers Union, Amos Musiimenta, said that the strike was illegal, noting that it was not sanctioned by UNATU.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Godfrey Nyakahuma, and Branch Chairperson urged the teachers to call off the strike and allow students to resume their studies. While the teachers deserve their pay, such strikes directly impact the education of young learners in the district.

The call for resolution and prompt payment remains crucial to ensuring stability in the education sector.