The government has declared the ongoing strike by teachers and the newly launched industrial action by local government workers illegal, warning that those who do not return to duty risk being treated as having “abandoned duty.”
In a statement issued Thursday morning, Public Service minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa said the strikes undermine ongoing negotiations on salary enhancements and violate procedures laid out under the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council.
“The commencement of industrial action by some teachers on 15th September 2025 and the planned industrial action by Local Government workers from 1st October 2025, when discussions have not even started, is uncalled for and jeopardizes the cordial relationship the government has enjoyed with the Labour Unions,” Muruli Mukasa said.
Teachers across the country have been on strike for more than two weeks, while local government workers joined the industrial action this week, demanding immediate salary enhancements.
According to figures from the Public Service ministry, 125,276 public officers have benefited from salary adjustments since 2017/2018, with teachers among the priority groups.
Currently, 77 per cent of public officers earn in line with the long-term pay targets, although 66 per cent have not received any increment since 2014/2015. The minister emphasized that President Museveni remains committed to a phased salary enhancement programme, including a 25 per cent increment for humanity teachers in the 2026/2027 financial year.
Requirements for salary adjustments across teachers, public universities, and other underpaid officers have already been submitted to the ministry of Finance for consideration in the coming budget.
“In view of the above, the 90-day notice contained in your letters does not meet the legal requirements. Accordingly, any plans by your unions to proceed with industrial action under the circumstances are illegal and should not be pursued,” Muruli Mukasa warned.
He directed teachers and local government workers to return to work within one week.
“You are hereby enjoined to call off the industrial action, and for your members…to resume duty immediately and not beyond one week, or else you will be regarded as having abandoned duty and resigned accordingly,” his statement read.
Chief Administrative Officers, town clerks, district education officers, and resident district/city commissioners have been tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting officers who defy the directive.
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