Teachers under their umbrella, Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) have declared strike a head of the beginning of term 2 which is due on 27th May 2019.
Speaking to the media in a joint press briefing in Ntinda, Filbert Baguma the General Secretary Uganda National Teachers Union said there have been ongoing negotiation between teachers and the government over salary enhancement since last year.
Baguma said they had issued 90 days ultimatum to government to increase teachers’ salaries which elapsed yesterday and teachers strike takes effect.
“That means, as we prepare for second term, teachers will not go to school, we are going ago head to do a mobilization for this strike to take place,” Baguma the General secretary UNATU said during a joint press conference.
Baguma noted that teachers will not give up on their demands unless government fulfils their pledges.
The union leaders noted that government should have communicated to the workers other than keeping quiet.
“When we demand what we agreed on and is not fulfilled and I think the pledge goes back to them.”
He stated that a notice of 90 days was given and a letter was written to government unfortunately no feedback was received from the government.
“Teachers are the most patriotic people because they endure poor working conditions with little salaries,” Baguma stated.
Other unions have also threatened to lay down tools, if government fails to indicate salary increment in the next financial year.
Usher Wilson the chairperson, National Organization of Trade Unions called upon all workers across the country to be on alert come 31st of this month.
“If government passes a budget and no salary enhancements have been structured for all the workers in the country, then industrial action will proceed,” Usher Wilson Owere stated.
The union leaders stated that the teachers’ strike is within the laws and no threats are expected from government officials.