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By Mike Rwothomio
Opposition political party leaders in Greater Nebbi have urged the government to prioritize resolving the grievances of educators across Uganda as they commence a nationwide industrial action.
The leaders’ concerns align with arguments from education specialists who emphasize that teacher remuneration is critical to strengthening the country’s education system.
The opposition leaders warn that the industrial action will exacerbate the already concerning academic performance in the West Nile region, which faces significant educational challenges. Recent statistics indicate that 28.7% of the region’s population of over 3 million have never attended school, and only 7.8% have achieved literacy.
The industrial action, which began on Monday, September 15, 2025, coincides with the start of the critical third academic term, when learners return for promotional term. The action targets persistent salary disparities that have fueled ongoing disputes within the education sector.
Filbert Baguma, General Secretary of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), reiterated last week that teachers must remain resolute, criticizing the government’s ineffective efforts to address these issues. Baguma emphasized that the strike is protected under Ugandan law and international labor standards, warning against any intimidation or harassment of educators.
Greater Nebbi’s opposition leaders caution that prolonged industrial action will have a ripple effect on student learning outcomes in the long term. Gilbert Ocan, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) chairperson for Pakwach, called for urgent government intervention, highlighting the significance of this academic term.
“This is a critical moment, and our schools are closed. Parents are deeply disappointed. We demand that the government sit down, plan, and enhance teachers’ salaries,” Ocan stated in an interview, noting that schools across Pakwach remain closed.
He added, “We must consider the broader impact of this industrial action. Our region consistently produces poor academic results, and this strike, given its timing, will worsen the situation.”
The industrial action disrupted education on the first day of the term. Visits to schools such as Mvule Primary School, Oturgang Boys and Girls, Mvungu Upper and Lower Primary Schools, Nguthe, Cana, and Okeyo in Zombo district revealed deserted compounds, despite these institutions typically seeing high learners attendance on reopening day.
Stakeholders warn that if the industrial action persists, the loss of instructional time, critical for academic achievement, will further negatively impact learners performance in the region.
Francis Bolingo, leader of the opposition coalition in Zombo and Councilor for Athuma Sub-County, pressed the government to address the long-standing issue of teacher salaries, which continues to affect learners .
After visiting schools such as Arikpa, Konga, Uwenju, Songea, Kasala, Pakadha, Okeyo, Paley, and others in Jang Okoro, Athuma, Nyapea, and Abanga sub-counties on September 15, Bolingo demanded an immediate government statement.
“I witnessed the dire situation on the ground. As the opposition, we demand a clear response from the government on this industrial action and why they cannot resolve this issue once and for all,” he said.
As government-aided school teachers strike, learners remain at home, while their peers in private schools continue learning uninterrupted.
Jerose Adubango, a parent from Alengukuma Cell, Central Ward, Paidha Town Council, expressed concern: “Our children are at higher risk since we cannot afford private teachers for coaching or home learning.”
This is not the first instance of industrial action by Ugandan teachers. A notable previous strike in 2022 ended after President Museveni deemed it unfeasible, prioritizing science teachers’ salaries.
Meanwhile, Zombo’s Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Bruno Mananu, who inspected schools on Monday morning, expressed hope that ongoing government engagements with teachers would yield results. He urged educators to show compassion for students, particularly Primary Seven candidates.
“Some teachers are present, but learners are absent. We pray that the government expedites its engagement to support our learners. This is a critical moment, especially for Primary Seven students, and teachers should act with humanity,” Mananu stated.
Zombo’s RDC, Ayikobua Festus, called for calm amid disruptions caused by the UNATU-led strike, assuring parents that the government is actively addressing teachers’ concerns. The strike, driven by salary disparities, has left some learners unable to attend classes, as teachers adhere to UNATU’s directive.
The industrial action has significantly impacted the Greater Nebbi sub-region, part of West Nile, which grapples with a 59% illiteracy rate substantially higher than the national average of 26%, according to recent data.
UNATU’s General Secretary, Filbert Baguma, reiterated that the strike is lawful, peaceful, and aimed at compelling the government to harmonize teacher salaries.
