The Ministry of Public Service has urged teachers and Local Government workers to halt planned industrial action, emphasizing that government continues to honor its commitment to pay competitive salaries to all Public Officers.
In a statement released on Thursday at Uganda Media Center, the Minister of Public Service, Muruli Mukasa, highlighted that since the approval of pay policy principles and the long-term pay plan under Cabinet Minutes No. 502 and 509 of 2017, government has committed over Shs 2.5 trillion towards salary enhancements since FY 2018/2019.
The phased salary enhancement strategy initially prioritized sectors contributing to industrialization, value addition, healthcare, infrastructure, innovation, and national security, with teachers included in the priority group.
“Throughout this process, government has maintained a cordial relationship with Public Service Labour Unions and continued to fulfill its promises despite macroeconomic challenges,” the Minister said.
Currently, Uganda’s Public Service comprises 368,291 personnel, of whom 125,276 have benefited from salary enhancements since FY 2017/2018.
Among them, 60,077 Public Officers, excluding the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, earn 77% of the approved long-term pay targets, while 66% of officers have not received any adjustment since FY 2014/2015.
Looking ahead, government plans to continue phased salary increments in FY 2026/2027. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to enhance the salary of teachers, particularly those below 25% of the approved long-term pay targets, by 25% of the 77% benchmark, alongside adjustments for other public officers and university staff.
The Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development is currently reviewing these financial requirements as part of the upcoming budget.
Minister Mukasa noted that consultations and negotiations on salary enhancement are ongoing and that the legal requirements for industrial action have not been met.
“I am not aware of any union obtaining the certificate from the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council as required by law. Therefore, the planned industrial action is illegal,” he said.
The Ministry has called on union leaders to ensure that all members participating in the industrial action resume duty within one week to avoid being regarded as having abandoned their positions.
Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks, District and City Education Officers, and Resident District/City Commissioners have been tasked with monitoring compliance and attendance.
The Minister concluded: “Government appeals to all Public Officers to continue serving the country with the same zeal and commitment they have always exhibited. We remain committed to improving the welfare of all Public Officers in a phased and sustainable manner.”
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