THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SERVICE

RESPONSE TO CALL FOR INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY THE LABOUR UNIONS
BY
HON. MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE
OCTOBER 2025

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 As you are aware, Government has been fulfilling its commitment towards ensuring that Public Officers are paid a competitive salary in a phased manner.

1.2 Following the approval of the pay policy principles as well as the long-term pay plan/targets covering all Public Officers paid salary or allowances from the consolidated fund or out of money appropriated by Parliament under Cabinet Minute No. 502 of (CT 2017) and 509 (CT 2017), to date UgX 2.5 Trillion has been committed to salary enhancement since FY 2018/2019.

1.3 While Government adopted a phased approach/strategy to implement the approved long-term pay plan/targets initially covering sectors and functional areas that contribute to industrialization, value addition, health care, infrastructure development, innovation, production for economic recovery, and peace and security, teachers were included in this priority group.

1.4 Throughout the enhancement journey, Government has maintained a cordial relationship with the Public Service Labour Unions. Government has also continued to fulfil its promise to workers despite several competing priorities and several macro-economic challenges. Therefore, 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 Government has enjoyed with the Labour Unions.

2.0 STATUS OF ENHANCEMENT OF SALARY OF TEACHERS

2.1 Currently, the size of the Public Service stands at 368,291 personnel. As of July 2024, a total of 125,276 Public Officers had benefited from enhancement since FY 2017/2018. Of these, 60,077 Public Officers excluding the Uganda People’s Defence Forces currently earn 77% of the approved long-term pay targets while 66% of the Public Officers have not received any salary adjustment since FY 2014/2015.

3.0 ENHANCEMENT PLAN FOR FY 2026/2027

3.1 H.E. the President has time and again reiterated Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all Public Officers. He pledged to pursue collective solutions including a phased salary increment with a commitment to enhance the salary of Humanity Teachers by 25% of the 77% approved long-term pay targets in FY 2026/2027, among others.

3.2 The Ministry determined the financial requirements for enhancement of the Humanity Teachers as well as for Public Universities, Primary School Teachers and other Public Officers who are earning below 25% of the 77% approved long-term pay targets. This has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for consideration in the budget for FY 2026/2027.

3.3 As illustrated above the consultations and negotiations on salary enhancement are still ongoing and the disputes settlement machinery has not been exhausted. I am also not aware that any Union obtained a Certificate signed by the Chairperson of the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council as required by the law.

3.4 In view of the above, the 90 days’ notice contained in your letters do 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.

4.0 APPEAL

4.1 Government has been fulfilling its commitment to pay all Public Officers a competitive salary in line with the approved pay policy principles and the approved long-term pay targets in a phased manner.

4.2 The budgeting process for FY 2026/2027 has just commenced with the budget conference, budget negotiations and countrywide stakeholders’ consultation on the budget priorities. The Ministry already submitted the enhancement requirements for FY 2026/2027 which includes the requirement for all teachers who are below the 25% threshold.

4.3 We therefore appeal to the Leadership of the Labour Unions and all Public Officers to continue serving the country with the zeal and commitment they have always exhibited.

4.4 You are hereby enjoined to call off the industrial action, and for your Members especially those who are participating in the industrial action to resume duty immediately and not beyond one week or else you will be regarded as having abandoned duty and resigned accordingly.

4.5 All the Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks; District/City Education Officers as well as the Resident District/City Commissioners are called upon to check on compliance and ensure proper tracking of attendance to duty by all Public Officers to inform any other appropriate action.

For God and my Country.

Wilson Muruli Mukasa
MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE