Iganga, Uganda: With just weeks left to the kick-off of 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE), anxiety is rising among Primary Seven candidates in Iganga District as the nationwide strike by arts teachers in government schools stretches into its tenth day.
The industrial action, declared by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) on September 15, has left classrooms across the district deserted, forcing pupils to either stay home or turn up at school only to find no teachers in attendance.
At Iganga Municipal Council Primary School, pupils expressed deep concern that the strike is robbing them of vital final revisions. “We are in P.7 and PLE exams are near but we are not studying. We thought that we shall use the remaining time in revisions with teachers but it is not the case. We are worried that our colleagues in other schools are studying and at the end we shall sit for similar exams with those who have never missed classes,” one candidate told DailyExpress.
The strike stems from long-standing salary disparities between science and arts teachers. In July 2022, government enhanced salaries for science teachers, but their arts counterparts accuse authorities of ignoring pledges to extend the same to them.
Despite repeated appeals, including direct engagements with President Museveni at State House, no progress has been made.
District leaders intervene
Iganga District Inspector of Schools, Waibi Joshua, confirmed that most schools are non-operational, with only head teachers turning up. He appealed to striking teachers to reconsider their stance in the interest of the candidates.
“We are punishing pupils. Therefore, I beseech you to go back to your respective workplaces and teach since we’re in third term and our children need serious preparations to sit final exams,” Waibi urged.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Hamwada Ismael Pinto echoed the appeal, noting that while government recognizes the contributions of teachers, their demands cannot all be met at once.
“Their request was heard by the President, and they were informed that enhancement of their salaries would be done in a phased manner. We need to embrace patriotic teaching because we’re in service, though we recognize their contribution,” RDC Pinto said.
UNATU remains defiant
Despite Education Minister, First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni calling on teachers to return to class, insisting that government is mindful of their concerns and will address them in due course, UNATU’s General Secretary, Filbert Baguma Bates, has rejected the appeal, urging teachers to hold firm until the government takes concrete action.
The standoff has left pupils across Iganga and much of the country in limbo. With PLE fast approaching, parents, learners, and education officials remain on edge, uncertain whether a resolution will come in time for candidates to salvage their final preparations.