By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Minister of Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa, has issued a stern ultimatum to striking teachers, warning that those who do not return to class within one week will be regarded as having abandoned duty.
Addressing the media on Thursday morning, Mukasa appealed to members of the teachers’ union – UNATU, currently engaged in industrial action to resume work immediately, saying government would not tolerate continued disruption of learning in public schools.
“Once again, I am appealing to the teachers to call off the industrial strike and resume duty immediately. Let me add, one week, not beyond one week from today. If you don’t, you will be regarded as victims of the industrial strike,” Muruli cautioned.
He directed chief administrative officers, district and city education officers, and resident district commissioners to monitor compliance and report on teacher attendance across the country.
“If you fail to heed this breathing space of one week, you will be treated as having resigned from the service, and necessary disciplinary measures will be taken,” Muruli warned. “And we shall look for other workers who are willing to work.”
The minister’s remarks come as thousands of teachers, under their unions, continue to protest over unresolved welfare demands, including salary disparities and better working conditions.
Education officials have expressed concern that the strike, now in its third week, has left millions of learners stranded, with some schools partially closed.
Mukasa reiterated government’s commitment to dialogue but stressed that teachers must return to classrooms as negotiations continue.
“This is an appeal. Teachers, I am calling on you to go back to your classrooms with immediate effect,” he said.
Furthermore, the minister explained that 60,077 public officers now earn 77% of the approved long-term pay targets, but only 66% have not received increments since 2014/15. Muruli stressed that the President has pledged a 25% salary rise for humanity teachers in FY 2026/27.
He also expressed government commitment to constructing housing facilities for teachers in schools, and pay fees for at least four children per teacher.
