Uganda National Teacher’s Union-UNATU, the umbrella organization for teachers has reacted angrily to the comments made by President Yoweri Museveni during the state of the nation address on their demand for a pay rise. UNATU warns Museveni against disrespecting the teaching profession and undermining the teachers work in shaping the future of the country.
While delivering the state of the nation address on Thursday, Museveni asked teachers to relax on their demand for a pay rise, adding that they are easily replaceable. His utterance has not gone down well with UNATU, who regard it as a mockery to their profession in addition to his refusal to grant them 100 percent salary increase.
Teopista Birungi Mayanja, the secretary general UNATU decries the government’s continued hard-headedness in increasing teacher’s salaries. Birungi says that they will soon start mobilizing teachers to storm the streets to demand for better pay. But David Bahati, the deputy NRM chairperson down plays the president’s utterances. Bahati says that president Museveni acknowledges the teachers contribution but says that the 100 percent salary increment is hard to achieve as of now.
He says that the ruling government is committed to improving the livelihood of teachers by providing the 50 percent salary increment over a period of three years starting their financial year. Early this year, teachers laid down their tools countrywide demanding for 100 percent pay rise. Education minister Jessica Alupo, pleaded with the teachers to resume work as government considers their plea for the salary increment.
