Science union to protest over salaries for ICT tutors, science teachers

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Professional Science Teachers’ Union (UPSTU) has issued an ultimatum to the government, giving it a ten-day window to reinstate science tutors and ICT teachers on the science salary scale.

Failure to comply may result in the union resorting to industrial action. Since August 2023, a number of science tutors and ICT teachers have voiced grievances over being removed from the science salary scale without adequate explanation. This move has left them without getting their due payment for eight months.

Geoffrey Mabonga, a mathematics tutor at Busubizi Core Primary Teachers’ College in Mityana, noted since 2012, these science tutors were officially put to the science salary scale by the Ministry of Public Service as other scientists.

He added that when the enhancements to science teachers’ payment was implement in 2022, they began receiving 4 million shillings for those with degrees and 2 million for those with diplomas. However, this financial year, they were abruptly removed from this scale.

Mabonga notes that the issue initially surfaced within Mityana Local Government, leading some to speculate that it was a localized problem related to wage shortfalls. However, as time progressed, it became apparent that the problem extended to other local governments where the 23 core PTCs are situated.

Robina Acaloi, a home economics tutor, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the profound impact of this anomaly on science tutors. She expressed deep concern over the financial stability and recognition of these educators within the education sector.

Acaloi pointed out that the situation has caused significant disillusionment among science tutors, many of whom are now experiencing acute financial stress. She noted that some of her colleagues, who had taken out loans following the enhancements to their salaries, are now facing even greater challenges due to the sudden removal from the science salary scale.

A similar predicament is faced by ICT teachers in secondary schools, as some of them have been removed from the list of those entitled to the science salary scale, while others have never been enrolled onto this payment system since the government announced the enhancement.

Vincent Elong, the UPSTU Chairperson, said receiving complaints from their members, the union began engaging with the Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Education to address the issue. However, despite their efforts, the problem remains unresolved to date.

Elong emphasized that if the government fails to rectify the situation, UPSTU will have no choice but to resort to industrial action. He warned that tutors and affected ICT teachers would be laying down their tools effective April 3rd.

Aaron Mugaiga, the Union General Secretary, also noted the situation is confusing, considering that the tutors were clearly indicated in the 2022 Ministry of Public Service circular, specifically in Schedule 4b of standing instructions.

“In our opinion, their removal from the approved pay scale without formal communication was done hurriedly and unfair,” Mugaiga’s letter which put the government on notice reads in part.

However, the science teacher group is adopting a cautious approach by avoiding direct confrontation with the government at large, possibly to prevent a backlash similar to what UNATU experienced after declaring industrial action back in 2022.

Mugaiga emphasized that their investigations have uncovered the presence of specific individual commissioners within the Ministry of Public Service who appear to be hindering the enhancement of science teachers, though the reasons behind their actions remain unclear.

Despite being placed on the science salary scale by the Ministry of Public Service, recent developments have raised further concerns for tutors. The Ministry recently sent a letter to the Ministry of Education, inquiring about the presence of scientists in primary teachers’ colleges.

Additionally, the Ministry expressed uncertainty regarding the classification and treatment of tutors who entered the PTC teaching service after completing O’Level, Grade III, and upgrading through a diploma or graduate program.

“How to treat a tutor who joined the PTC teaching service after completing ordinary level education, Grade III Teaching Certificates as a teacher of all primary school subjects and upgrade through a diploma and graduate tutor demanding to be paid as a scientist,” a letter from public service reads in part.

The public service ministry also emphasized that there were secondary school teachers with PTC qualifications and questioned their eligibility for employment as tutors in PTCs. Additionally, the ministry sought clarification on whether general science, physical education, and home economics should be categorized as science subjects.

Regarding ICT teachers, the public service observed that many schools had appointed and deployed teachers without specific training, qualifications, or specialization in ICT as ICT teachers in secondary schools.

In response to this inquiry, Ketty Lamaro, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, acknowledged that there are indeed scientists in PTCS, and the science subjects taught are outlined in Establishment Notice Number 2 of 2015.

“The person becomes scientist through upgrading at diploma level. A tutor will specialise either in arts or science. One who specialise in science option, is the one who teaches integrated science (physics, chemistry and biology,” reads the response seen by our reporter. The PS further added that when there was a scarcity of tutors specializing in integrated science, they recruited secondary school teachers to assist in training Grade III teachers.

Regarding those teaching ICT, the PS noted that due to a shortage of ICT tutors, the ministry provided training to those handling other subjects, and some have since obtained the necessary qualifications in ICT. As a result, they should be integrated into the system.

Concerning the impending industrial action, John Chrysostom Muyigo, the State Minister in charge of Higher Education, emphasized that teachers should refrain from using intimidating language and instead focus on their work while the government addresses the raised issues.

“Regardless of whether teaching art or science subjects, no teacher should resort to intimidating the government through strikes. We know that there are some individuals misleading but teachers should focus on their duties, and salary issues will be addressed. We have established communication channels for this purpose,” noted Muyingo.

He further added that the government is tirelessly working to ensure that all teachers, irrespective of the subjects they teach, receive improved compensation.

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