The Acting President of the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union (UPHTU), Akello Teopista, has issued a stern warning to Resident District and City Commissioners, Chief Administrative Officers, District Principal Human Resource Officers, District Education Officers, and head teachers across the country over acts of intimidation targeting arts teachers participating in the ongoing industrial action.
In a letter dated June 14, 2025, Akello expressed concern that some officials have resorted to threatening union members who are lawfully taking part in the strike that began on June 6, 2025.
“It has come to our attention that some individuals in the aforementioned categories have resorted to acts of intimidation and threats against our members participating in the ongoing industrial action,” Akello stated.
She emphasized that the strike is being conducted within the legal framework, citing Article 29(1)(a), (d), and (e) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, as well as Sections 30(1) and (2) of the Labour Disputes (Arbitration and Settlement) Act, 2006.
“We wish to make it categorically clear that the intended audience of our ongoing industrial action includes: the President of the Republic of Uganda, the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Public Service, the Ministry of Finance, the Parliament of Uganda, and the Ministry of Education and Sports,” Akello noted.
She further clarified that any negotiations or engagements regarding the union’s demands should be directed solely to the union’s National Executive Committee, which she currently leads.
Akello also rallied all Humanities teachers to stand firm and remain at home as they await the government’s response to their concerns over salary disparities and unfulfilled commitments.
“To our gallant Humanities teachers across the country: remain at home as we await the government’s response,” she urged.
