Kampala- After several engagements with the government over an increment on their salaries, the teachers under their umbrella organization Uganda National Teachers Association have finally agreed to call off their ongoing industrial action.
In a meeting held at the UNATU offices at Wandegeya, on May 26, the teachers announced their stand.
“We have agreed to the terms government has given us and we are going to announce tomorrow that we resume work,’’ said James Tweheyo the General Secretary UNATU.
In a statement issued by the government to the teachers, a 15 percent increment will be given to the teachers in the 2016/2017 financial year as read by Jim Muhwezi, the Minister of Information and National guidance on behalf of the government.
In the same statement, the government agreed on releasing funds to teachers SACCOs which are to be managed by the union of teachers SACCOs, APEX. Also in addition, the teachers arrested during the industrial action are to be released and not intimidated or harassed.
A joint committee comprising, Ministry of Education, Science Technology and Sports, Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and UNATU be constituted to identify and advise government on measures to improve the quality of education.
“We are committed to the welfare of teachers and other civil servants as government,” said Mr. Jim Muhwezi adding, ” your welfare is definitely our priority, therefore we had to take this difficult decision and this doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the teachers work.”
However, teachers said they are calling off the strike because the government said there is no money the next financial year (2015-2016), they will start the strike again as soon as they get news that MPs have got an increment.
“We are waiting to see whether the MPs get a salary increase this year, if they do, we will immediately go back to strike,” said Mr.Tweheyo
