Kampala, Uganda | The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has cautioned government officials against intimidating or harassing teachers as they embark on a nationwide strike scheduled to begin on September 15, 2025.
In a September 11 circular, the union noted that Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks, and other government representatives have in the past threatened teachers who participate in industrial action.
UNATU said such intimidation is unlawful, counterproductive, and only serves to escalate tensions within the education sector.
The union stressed that the strike is a legally protected action backed by both national and international labour regimes to which Uganda is a signatory.
It argued that teachers were being unfairly targeted for demanding salary harmonisation, despite other civil servants in selected categories having benefited from pay enhancements since the 2022/2023 financial year.
UNATU explained that it suspended a similar strike in July 2022 to allow for negotiations, but three years later, government had failed to offer a clear plan for addressing the disparities.
The union said teachers had waited patiently, yet government had “remained indifferent,” leaving industrial action as the only remaining option.
The circular also advised parents not to send their children to school during the strike and warned school administrators against keeping learners at institutions without teachers, saying they would be held accountable for any incidents.
The looming standoff raises concerns of possible clashes between education officers enforcing government directives and striking teachers who insist they are exercising their rights.
Analysts warn that if not handled carefully, the deadlock could further strain relations between the teaching profession and state authorities.
The statement was signed by Mr Baguma Filbert Bates, UNATU General Secretary.