As schools officially reopen for the first term tomorrow, government has urged education stakeholders to plan adequately to ensure a smooth and organised start to the academic calendar. Teachers have been encouraged to report to their duty stations on time to allow for proper preparation, learner orientation, and effective teaching from the first day of term.

At the same time, the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has sought to reassure its members that long-standing welfare concerns remain firmly on the national agenda. Speaking on the matter, UNATU Secretary General Mr. Filbert Baguma said the union is continuing to engage Parliament over teachers’ demands, particularly the issue of salary disparities between science and arts teachers.

These concerns came to the fore when more than 100,000 UNATU members went on strike at the start of the 2025 third term holidays, protesting what they described as unfair pay structures within the teaching profession. The industrial action disrupted learning in several schools and reignited public debate on equity in teacher remuneration.

Mr. Baguma explained that progress on the matter had slowed in recent months due to the election season, which affected the pace of parliamentary business. However, he noted that Parliament has since resumed normal operations and is now expected to promptly review the issue, following directives from the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.

As the new term begins, stakeholders are hopeful that renewed parliamentary engagement will translate into concrete action on teachers’ welfare, while schools focus on stability, preparedness, and improved learning outcomes for students.