Govt Must Act Fast to Support Arts Educators
The Growing Crisis in Uganda’s Education Sector The recent announcement of a nationwide strike by arts teachers in Uganda has brought to light a growing crisis within the country's education system. Organized by the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu), the strike is set to begin on Monday, September 15, and it comes at a critical time during the Third Term, when students are preparing for exams and completing their curriculum. This planned action has sparked concern among parents, educators, and policymakers alike. The strike is a response to long-standing grievances, particularly the disparity in salary increments between arts and science teachers. For years, arts educators have felt undervalued, especially after the government selectively increased the salaries of science teachers in the 2022/2023 financial year. This decision has created a significant pay gap that continues to widen, with arts teachers earning far less than their science counterparts. Currently, an arts te...