Secondary school teachers petition Parliament over salary disparities
The petition, presented by Workers MP Abdulhu Byakatondo, outlines frustrations among arts administrators in secondary schools, who say they are paid significantly less than their science counterparts, despite performing the same administrative duties.
The petition was presented to Parliament on Thursday, August 8, 2025. (File photo)
By John Odyek
Journalists @New Vision
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A group of secondary school teachers under the Uganda Secondary School Arts Administrators Union (USSAAU) has petitioned Parliament over what they describe as discriminatory salary disparities between arts and science educators and administrators.
The petition, presented by Workers MP Abdulhu Byakatondo, outlines frustrations among arts administrators in secondary schools, who say they are paid significantly less than their science counterparts, despite performing the same administrative duties.
The petition was presented to Parliament on Thursday, August 8, 2025. Present in the public gallery were leaders and members of USSAAU.
The teachers argue that following a presidential directive in 2021 to promote science education, the government enhanced salaries for teachers and administrators with a background in science subjects. The enhancement, while well-intended, has caused glaring inequalities.
According to the petition, the Ministry of Public Service issued a revised salary structure dated 19 November 2024. It raised the pay for science-based headteachers to sh6.5 million from sh2.35 million and for science deputy headteachers to sh4.5 million from sh1.74 million.
However, salaries for arts-based headteachers and deputies remained unchanged at sh2.35 million and sh1.74 million respectively.
“This disparity is discriminatory. Arts and science administrators carry out the same administrative responsibilities in schools,” the petition reads, adding that such pay gaps are demoralising arts teachers and undermining their contribution to education.
The teachers further cited a 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement between government and public service labour unions, including the Uganda National Teachers' Union (UNATU), which emphasised non-discrimination in remuneration and conditions of service.
Despite this agreement, Cabinet in August 2021 approved salary enhancements exclusively for scientists, a decision that has since triggered widespread discontent among non-science teaching staff.
“The implementation of this directive has caused strife, division and dissatisfaction within the teaching workforce and could negatively affect service delivery,” the petition warns.
The petitioners are calling on government to:
- Establish a sustainable salary enhancement plan that includes both arts and science administrators;
- Implement equitable remuneration in line with Article 40 (1)(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees equal pay for equal work;
- Engage public service unions in negotiations and consultations; and
- Align the salary structure of arts teachers with that of their science counterparts to end divisions and dissatisfaction in schools.
Kalungu West MP Joseph Gonzaga (NUP) supported the petition, stating that some arts teachers have been demotivated to the extent of withdrawing from active teaching due to the salary gap. Gonzaga expressed doubt that the ministry would solve the problem.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, who chaired the House, referred the petition to the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, for appropriate action.