MUBENDE, Uganda
President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has highlighted the government’s inability to bolster the salaries of public servants due to widespread poverty within Ugandan society.
Speaking at the National
Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi during the graduation ceremony of 413
secondary school head teachers from greater western Uganda, Mubende, and
Kasanda districts, Mr. Museveni addressed the challenge.
He underscored the necessity
for socio-economic transformation before the state can afford higher wages for
its employees, stressing that without such transformation, the financial
resources required are lacking.
He emphasized the importance
of societal progress in creating employment opportunities, generating income,
and subsequently increasing tax revenue for the government, which could then be
utilized to improve public servant remuneration.
Regarding the disparity in
salaries between science and arts teachers, President Museveni defended the
government’s prioritization of science educators, citing the critical need for
professionals in fields like engineering and medicine.
He acknowledged the discontent
among arts teachers over salary discrepancies and hinted at the government’s
limited financial capacity to address all demands simultaneously.
President Museveni, also
serving as the patron of Patriotism Clubs in Uganda, cautioned against
sectarianism, asserting that it perpetuates poverty. He emphasized national
unity and the importance of Uganda as a unifying force for economic
advancement.
During the ceremony, Minister
of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, expressed gratitude for the
President’s guidance in the education sector and his commitment to
capacity-building initiatives.
Despite the government’s
previous commitments to address salary concerns among public servants,
including local government and health workers, challenges persist.
While science teachers saw
salary increases in 2022, arts teachers await similar adjustments, with
promises of phased increments yet to materialize.
This situation reflects
ongoing tensions and expectations within Uganda’s workforce regarding fair
remuneration.
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