The Ugandan government has declared the ongoing strike by teachers and the recently launched industrial action by local government workers illegal, warning that employees who fail to return to duty will be considered as having “abandoned their posts.”
Public Service Minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa issued the directive on Thursday, stating that the strikes undermine ongoing salary negotiations and violate procedures under the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council. He described the industrial action as uncalled for and harmful to the cordial relationship the government has maintained with labor unions.
Teachers have been on strike for over two weeks, while local government workers joined this week demanding immediate salary increases. The government insists that salary discussions are ongoing and must follow legal procedures.
The Public Service Ministry highlighted that since the 2017/2018 financial year, 125,276 public officers have benefited from salary adjustments, with teachers prioritized among the groups targeted for pay improvements. Currently, 77 percent of public officers earn salaries aligned with long-term pay targets, although 66 percent have not received increments since the 2014/2015 financial year. The government plans phased salary enhancements, including a 25 percent increment for humanity teachers in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Requests for additional adjustments for teachers, public university staff, and other underpaid officers have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for consideration in the upcoming budget.
Muruli Mukasa emphasized that the 90-day notice issued by the unions does not meet legal requirements, rendering the strikes illegal. All striking teachers and local government workers have been directed to resume duty within one week.
Chief Administrative Officers, town clerks, district education officers, and resident district/city commissioners have been tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting any officers who defy the directive. Failure to comply will be treated as abandonment of duty, with serious consequences for those involved.
