Kitgum | The Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers’ Union (UPHTU), a labor union representing teachers of humanities or arts subjects at post-primary and tertiary institutions, has declared a nationwide industrial action.
The industrial action started on Friday, June 6, 2025.
The decision stems from what the union describes as repeated unfulfilled promises by the government regarding salary enhancements for Arts teachers.
In a letter dated May 25, 2025, UPHTU officially notified relevant authorities including District Education Officers, Municipal Education Officers, Resident District Commissioners, Resident City Commissioners, headteachers, and others of their planned withdrawal of services.
During a press conference held on Wednesday, Okot Kennedy, deputy regional coordinator for the Acholi sub-region, stated that the strike follows a directive from the National Executive Committee. He cited the government’s failure to honor a phased salary enhancement agreement made in 2018 as the main reason behind the action.
He noted that the union has sent numerous letters to the Ministry of Education and Sports, but no meaningful response or agreement has been reached. This deadlock, he said, has left teachers with no alternative but to proceed with industrial action.
Okot also urged government officials not to intimidate teachers who choose to participate in the strike, emphasizing that UPHTU is advocating for its members in accordance with their constitutional rights.
Kikwera-Nono Kennedy, the UPHTU coordinator for Kitgum municipality, echoed the call for solidarity, urging all humanities teachers to remain at home starting Friday, June 6. He encouraged any teacher facing intimidation from government officials or school heads to report such incidents to the union’s local leadership.
Meanwhile, Amono Monica Grace, a UPHTU member from Kitgum district, appealed to the public, especially parents, not to misinterpret the industrial action. She stressed that the strike is a result of the government’s failure to fulfill its promise to improve the welfare of Arts teachers.
She affirmed that teachers will not resume work until the government responds positively to their demands.
District education officer responds
Lawot Anthony Lam, the District Education Officer (DEO) for Kitgum, acknowledged receipt of the union’s letter and confirmed awareness of the planned strike. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, he urged for calm and dialogue.
“We understand the frustrations of our teachers, especially those in the humanities, who have been patiently waiting for the government to fulfill its salary enhancement commitments.
“However, we also urge the union leadership to engage further with the Ministry of Education and explore peaceful resolutions. Our learners’ education should not be permanently disrupted,” said Lam.
He also warned school administrators against taking any disciplinary action against striking teachers, noting that their concerns are legally protected.
Community voices are mixed
Reactions from the community have been mixed. Some parents have expressed concern about the timing of the strike, especially as students prepare for mid-year assessments.
“I understand the teachers are fighting for their rights, but this strike will affect our children. We hope the government can act quickly so our students don’t suffer,” said Beatrice Akello, a parent from Kitgum Central.
Others, however, expressed solidarity with the teachers. “These teachers have waited long enough. Arts subjects are just as important as sciences. The government needs to stop the discrimination and fulfill its promises,” said George Ocen, a local council member in Kitgum Matidi.
Students, too, voiced their disappointment.
“We feel abandoned, but we also see what our teachers go through. They deserve fair treatment,” said Jane Akwero, a Senior Five student from Patongo secondary school.
UPHTU maintains that the strike will continue indefinitely until a satisfactory resolution is reached. The union has called on all stakeholders to treat the matter with urgency, warning that further delays may lead to a larger education crisis affecting thousands of learners across the country.
Impact on students
Students will miss critical instructional time, especially in subjects like History, Literature, Religious Education, and Languages. For candidates preparing for national exams (e.g., UCE, UACE), the absence of teachers could significantly lower their performance.
Students in private schools or those with access to extra tutoring may continue learning, while those in government schools mostly from low-income families will fall behind. This deepens the education gap between the rich and poor.
Prolonged strikes may lead to student frustration, low morale, and eventually increased school dropout rates, especially in rural areas. Arts subjects often nurture critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills. Reduced attention to these areas may affect holistic student development.
Impact on society
Uganda’s goals of inclusive and quality education (per SDG 4) are compromised when a whole subject stream is neglected. Continued neglect may fuel a societal mindset that Humanities are less important than Sciences, which limits diversity in the labor market.
In the long term, a poorly educated workforce, especially in the humanities, affects sectors like education, civil service, media, law, tourism, and community development.
Strikes highlight government-worker conflict and may lead to public protests or erode trust in public institutions if not resolved quickly.
Teachers facing financial stress and students stuck in limbo can both experience mental health challenges, with ripple effects in households and communities.
While the strike is a legitimate labor action aimed at addressing salary injustices, its ripple effects on students and broader society are profound.
Urgent dialogue and government intervention are needed to restore normalcy and protect the future of learners across Uganda.
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