Kagadi art teachers lay down tools as Kiryandongo students stage demonstrations
“We are neglected, yet we are essential to nation-building. We can’t continue under these conditions,” he stated.
Bunyoro: Art teachers in Kagadi District have declared an indefinite strike, protesting what they call gross salary inequality compared to their science counterparts.
The strike has triggered widespread concern, culminating in student protests in Kiryandongo District, where learners marched to demand the return of their teachers.
During a press conference held at Seyeya Courts Hotel on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in Nankulabywe Cell, Kagadi Town Council, the teachers, under the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union, voiced their frustration over persistent salary disparities despite performing the same roles as science teachers.
Tumuhimbise Milton, union coordinator and teacher at St. Margret Secondary School in Muhorro, explained that the strike is part of a nationwide movement to compel government action.
“We teach the same hours, mark exams, manage classes, and help students excel. Yet science teachers earn between UGX 2 to 4 million, while we earn UGX 600,000 to 900,000,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of art subjects in determining students’ final academic grades and shaping well-rounded citizens. Tumuhimbise also revealed that they had issued a 90-day ultimatum to the government, which expired with no response.
Their concerns were further ignored in the 2025/2026 national budget, which he called “a clear sign of disregard” for art educators.
Tumuhimbise urged parents and students to stand in solidarity with the teachers to push for equal treatment and recognition.
In a powerful show of unity, students of Kibanda Senior Secondary School in Kiryandongo took to the streets, protesting the absence of their art teachers who have been on strike for two weeks.
The students held placards reading “We Need Art Teachers at School” and “Government, Where Are You?”, marching to the district headquarters, media houses, and even the Office of the President in Kiryandongo District.
“We are scared of failing our final exams,” said Amooti, a student leader. “Not everyone will benefit from science. We need our art teachers back.”
Another student, Charity, who dreams of becoming a Resident District Commissioner (RDC), posed a question that resonated with many:
“Do RDCs and political leaders offer science or arts? Arts education matters for everyone.”
Deputy RDC Akakwetereho Jonathan, who received the students, assured them that their concerns would be addressed.
“Students have a right to education,” he said. “We will work through the district security and education committee to find a solution.”
Joseph Isingoma, a teacher at Bwamiramira Community Secondary School in Kibaale District, echoed the call for change. He cited poor housing, lack of transport, and harsh working conditions that further demoralize humanities teachers.
“We are neglected, yet we are essential to nation-building. We can’t continue under these conditions,” he stated.
Parents, too, have expressed growing concern. One parent questioned the logic of collecting PTA fees while students are forced to protest the absence of teachers.
“We pay, but the government refuses to pay teachers fairly. It’s our children who suffer.”
The strike and student demonstrations have ignited a national conversation about the widening wage gap between art and science teachers in Uganda.
As students remain hopeful for a quick resolution, the ball now lies in the government’s court to address the disparity, restore normalcy in schools, and reaffirm the value of all educators, regardless of discipline.
Additional reporting by Denis Agaba
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