Filbert Bates Baguma the Secretary-General of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) has acknowledged receiving a letter from Catherine Bitarakwate, the permanent secretary of the ministry of public service but said it is not clear.
In the said letter, Bitarakwate told Baguma to rally their members to return to classes since their issues are being handled.
“UNATU’s acceptance of the engagements with Government. has been appreciated because of the spirit of goodwill and nationalism that has been exhibited. In the same spirit, the Government has taken serious consideration of the concerns presented. The matter has been discussed and consultations escalated to the Executive of Government,” she said
“In this regard, I hereby convey the commitment of the Government to implement the approved pay plan concerning all Teachers including Primary School Teachers and employees in the entire Public Service. This will be undertaken within the medium term,” she added
She said that teachers should consider returning to classes, in view of the ongoing recovery of lost time, your esteemed and valued teaching at the earliest time.
However, in response, Baguma said that the letter is not clear.
“The letter addressed to me says the teachers will be paid in the medium term. We shall get back to the Permanent Secretary to know what medium-term means. The teachers and the leaders will need clarity,” he said
“The industrial action started on 15th June 2022, and it is still on. We have received two letters, one from the Minister and the other from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service,”
Trashing the education minister’s accusation that teachers have betrayed the government that was paying them during the lockdown, Baguma said,
“Every government employee received a salary during the lockdown, so it’s harsh to say the teachers are betrayers for asking for an increment in the current economic situation,” he said
UNATU yesterday met the vice president but still didn’t have a conclusive agreement since the latter had been delegated by the president.
