By Infora Media
KAMPALA — Uganda’s Vice President, Rt. Hon. Jessica Alupo, has reassured arts teachers that the government is committed to increasing their salaries, with the pay rise set to take effect in the next financial year.
Speaking at an education stakeholders’ event on Monday, Alupo said the government is aware of the long-standing disparities in pay between science and arts teachers and is taking deliberate steps to address them.
“We have heard your concerns clearly,” the Vice President said. “Government acknowledges the need for equity in teacher remuneration and we are committed to implementing salary adjustments for arts teachers starting in the next fiscal year.”
The announcement comes after years of advocacy by teachers’ unions and education stakeholders, who have repeatedly called on the government to close the gap in pay scales. Science teachers received significant salary increments in recent years, leaving arts educators on comparatively lower pay bands, despite their crucial role in shaping Uganda’s social, cultural, and policy leadership.
Educators welcomed the commitment, describing it as a positive step towards recognising the value of arts education in national development.
“The recognition of our contributions is long overdue,” said Mr. David Lwanga, an arts teacher at Kampala Secondary School. “We hope this commitment translates into timely action when the new budget is passed.”
Religious and community leaders have also weighed in on the matter. Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu urged the government to act swiftly, noting that equitable pay across disciplines is essential to maintaining teacher morale and quality education delivery.
“We need both science and arts to develop a balanced and informed society,” Archbishop Kaziimba said. “Disparities in pay risk discouraging talented teachers from joining or staying in the profession.”
Government officials explained that the phased approach allows for careful fiscal planning while ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently across all sectors. The assurance by Vice President Alupo is expected to boost confidence among arts educators and provide a framework for budget discussions in Parliament.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026/27 national budget, the education sector and stakeholders will be closely monitoring how and when the promised adjustments will be implemented.