Arts’ Teachers in Sheema District Intensify Strike
Arts teachers under their umbrella Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU) have escalated their ongoing strike over inadequate remuneration and significant salary disparities compared to their science counterparts.
The teachers officially suspended classroom activities on May 22, 2025 citing continued marginalization by the government. Their protests reached a peak on June 12, 2025 when they demonstrated in the streets of Kabwohe Town in Sheema Municipality calling for urgent government intervention.
According to Ahebwa Enock, UPHTU chairperson for Sheema District, arts teachers have received only a 26% salary increase, a stark contrast to the 76% increment awarded to science teachers. During the demonstration, the teachers resolved to remain at home and abstain from all school-related duties including teaching, coaching sports and training students in music, dance and drama (MDD) until their demands are addressed.
“Our members have been sidelined for too long. We need fair treatment and equal pay to motivate our arts educators and ensure quality education for our students.”
The teachers also demanded that the government improve salaries for non-teaching staff such as school cooks, secretaries, bursars and librarians, emphasizing the vital roles these support staff play in daily school operations.
Musokye Henry, UPHTU’s Publicity Secretary in Sheema District, voiced frustration over the government’s failure to honor the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement which stipulated phased salary increases for teachers. He also highlighted the emotional toll the ongoing strike has taken on students especially those pursuing arts subjects who now face an uncertain academic future.
As the strike continues, stakeholders await a government response to address these grievances and restore normalcy in Sheema’s schools.
