Arts Teachers in Sheema Join Nationwide Strike Over Salary Disparities

Arts teachers in Sheema District, under the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) Sheema chapter, took to the streets of Sheema Municipality on Friday in protest over salary disparities, joining the ongoing nationwide strike by humanities teachers.

Chanting and holding placards bearing messages like “Arts teachers also matter,” “Science alone cannot make a human being,” and “We need better education for our children,” the teachers decried what they called systemic neglect and financial injustice.

Mr Enock Aheebwa, the UPHTU Sheema Chapter Chairperson, said the teachers would not return to classrooms until government addresses their salary concerns.

“We have decided to continue with the industrial action and inform stakeholders that as arts teachers, we shall stay home and not attend classes until our concerns on salary disparities are addressed,” Mr Aheebwa said.

He added that the strike was not driven by selfish motives but by the need for a fair and dignified wage for all government employees, including secretaries, cooks, and librarians.

Ms Alice Abenaitwe, the chapter vice chairperson, said the financial strain on teachers had become unbearable.

“We have been patient enough. Our science colleagues got a pay raise in 2022, and we were told to wait. We’ve waited, and nothing has changed. Now we are rising up,” she said.

“We have loans, our children are not receiving quality education, and commodity prices have soared. We ask parents not to be angry at us but to join us in demanding accountability from the government.”

She also appealed to religious leaders to support their cause, emphasizing that the strike was not out of defiance but desperation.

Mr Henry Mushokye, another teacher, emphasized the central role arts teachers play in nurturing well-rounded learners.

“We equip students with critical thinking, hands-on skills, and discipline. Even scientists need guidance from humanities to serve society effectively,” he said.

He added that the cost of living had drastically increased while their salaries remained stagnant.

“A kilo of meat was Shs11,000, now it’s Shs16,000. Fuel has risen from Shs3,500 to Shs5,000, but we’re still earning Shs600,000. What are we supposed to do? We don’t steal government funds. What would we steal? Chalk and rulers?”

Ms Kabajungu, a teacher at Butsibo Secondary School, said they are committed to molding the next generation but can no longer afford school fees for their own children.

Ms Sarah Kyomuhendo from Nganwa High School questioned the government’s rationale for increasing science teachers’ salaries while ignoring arts educators.

“We also provide counselling and guidance. You cannot teach a child whose mind is unsettled. Arts subjects are what shape students into responsible citizens,” she said.

The teachers vowed to continue the strike until government responds to their demands for equitable pay.