"Uganda too poor to increase salaries," Museveni tells teachers

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.