Uganda’s government has finally announced a significant salary increase for arts teachers in secondary schools, a move that comes after years of disparities between science and arts educators.
Officials confirmed that the raise, set at 25 percent, will take effect starting in July of the 2026–2027 financial year, promising much-needed relief to teachers who have long felt overlooked.
The announcement was made by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang during the conclusion of the Senior Five selection exercise held at the Uganda Manufacturers Association showgrounds in Kampala.
Ogwang emphasized that the pay rise is part of a broader plan to address the wage gaps that have existed for many years between science and arts teachers, a situation that has caused frustration and dissatisfaction among educators nationwide.
Arts teachers in secondary schools have often struggled to make ends meet compared to their colleagues in science disciplines.
Over time, this imbalance not only affected morale but also raised concerns about retention of skilled teachers in arts subjects, which are vital for holistic education. The government’s intervention now aims to provide fairer compensation and encourage educators to focus more on teaching rather than financial survival.
Under the new salary structure, a regular arts teacher currently earning 1.3 million shillings per month will see their pay rise to 1.6 million shillings, a noticeable improvement that will help teachers support their families and manage personal expenses. The increment, although modest in comparison to science salaries, is a significant step toward narrowing the pay gap.
Head teachers in arts departments will also benefit from the increase, with salaries moving from 2.3 million shillings to 2.8 million shillings per month.
This boost recognizes their additional responsibilities, which include managing staff, coordinating lessons, and overseeing departmental administration, responsibilities that are critical for the smooth running of schools.
Deputy head teachers in arts departments are set to earn 2.1 million shillings, up from 1.7 million shillings. This adjustment ensures that those in leadership positions within arts faculties are also rewarded for their hard work and commitment, promoting fairness within the school hierarchy.
Despite these positive changes, a significant disparity still exists between the salaries of arts and science teachers. In 2022, science teachers received substantial salary increases, with regular teachers earning 4.2 million shillings per month, while science head teachers now earn as much as 6.5 million shillings. This highlights that arts educators still face challenges in achieving pay parity with their science counterparts.
Minister Ogwang assured teachers and the public that the government remains committed to fulfilling President Yoweri Museveni’s promises regarding teacher welfare and salary adjustments.
He stressed that the administration is determined to close the long-standing gaps and provide equitable compensation for all educators.
The 25 percent increment was initially promised by President Museveni in June 2025. At that time, arts teachers had engaged in a nationwide strike to demand fair wages, bringing attention to the inequities that had persisted for years.
The president urged teachers to return to their classrooms while the government worked on improving welfare conditions and promised the planned salary adjustments.
In addition to the salary increase, the government has been working on a range of welfare initiatives aimed at improving the overall wellbeing of teachers. These include housing support for teachers and tuition-free education for their children, measures that are expected to make teaching more attractive and sustainable as a profession.
Filbert Baguma, the secretary general of the Uganda National Teachers Union, welcomed the salary adjustment, calling it a positive move for arts educators. However, he cautioned that more work remains to be done to achieve complete parity between arts and science teachers, urging the government to continue with annual increases until salaries are balanced.
“Half a loaf of bread is better than nothing,” Baguma remarked, acknowledging the progress while emphasizing the need for continuous action. He explained that fair compensation allows teachers to focus fully on instruction rather than worrying about their financial survival.
The salary increase is expected to have a positive impact on teacher morale, motivation, and retention, as arts educators now have a sense that their work is valued and recognized by the government. Many teachers expressed relief and hope that the increment will improve both their professional and personal lives.
At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Sports reported that a total of 284,620 students have been placed in Senior Five for the 2026 intake, indicating a growing demand for quality education across the country. The ministry highlighted that government-aided schools will absorb 120,340 students, while private institutions are expected to enroll 161,200 learners.
Frances Atima, who oversees education standards at the Ministry, noted that the rising number of students places increased responsibility on teachers, making fair compensation even more crucial. She emphasized that motivated teachers are key to maintaining high educational standards and ensuring student success.
Atima also raised concerns about some private school administrators preventing students from filling out Form X, which is necessary for the national selection process. She described this practice as unfair and detrimental to students and their families, highlighting the importance of equal access to educational opportunities.
The pay raise for arts teachers is expected to ease some of the financial pressures that have long burdened educators, allowing them to invest more in their teaching and less in struggling to meet household expenses. This shift is likely to improve the overall quality of education offered in arts subjects.
Government officials believe that this increase will encourage more talented individuals to enter the teaching profession in arts fields, addressing shortages that have affected some schools. By making arts teaching more financially rewarding, the government hopes to balance the distribution of skilled educators across all subjects.
Teachers across the country have welcomed the news, expressing optimism that this initiative is the beginning of a more comprehensive approach to teacher welfare. Many see it as an acknowledgment of the value of their work and a step toward long-term improvements in the education system.
While challenges remain, including the remaining salary gap with science teachers, the 25 percent increment is widely seen as a milestone for arts educators in Uganda. It represents the government’s commitment to fair pay, better working conditions, and recognition of the critical role that arts teachers play in shaping the country’s future generations.
The upcoming July implementation of the salary increase has generated excitement and hope, signaling a new era for arts teachers in Uganda. Many educators are now looking forward to focusing on teaching, student development, and contributing positively to the nation’s education system without the constant worry of financial strain.
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