Teachers in Greater Arua to Boycott Independence Day Celebrations

ARUA: The Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) in Greater Arua has announced that its members will not participate in the upcoming National Independence Day celebrations scheduled for October 9. 

The decision stems from an ongoing nationwide industrial action by teachers, sparked by unresolved salary enhancement disparities.

According to UNATU, the guidelines governing the industrial action prohibit teachers from participating in government activities until their demands are met. 

The union also raised concerns about reported intimidation by some community members and government officials, who have allegedly threatened teachers with termination if they do not resume work within a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Phillip Andama, UNATU Chairperson for Arua City, reaffirmed that the industrial action includes withdrawing participation in all government programs, including Independence Day celebrations.

“For Independence Day, I must inform the public that teachers will not be present. Any teacher who participates in a legally called national action risks acting against the union’s directives. We have endured enough, and we are prepared to continue this struggle, even if it means losing our jobs,” Andama said.

Rogers Acadribo Shy, the UNATU Chairperson for Madi-Okollo District, clarified that while some private schools may prepare for the celebrations, government-aided schools will not participate.

“No miracle will see children from government-aided schools attend these celebrations in the name of their schools. Individuals may attend, but they will not represent their schools.

Whether schools contribute to the preparations is up to their local arrangements, but with teachers on strike, it’s unlikely they will allocate funds or supervise students. Children attending on their own will be at risk without teachers to guide them,” Rodgers explained.

Gabriel Eriku, the UNATU Chairperson for Terego District, urged parents to keep their children at home during the celebrations, as teachers will not be available to supervise them.

“Independence Day will proceed, but without learners from government-aided schools. If any school takes pupils to the event and something happens, they will bear responsibility. I urge parents to ensure their children stay home, as their teachers will not be there,” Eriku said.

Mary Oyeru Gorrethy, the UNATU’s Secretary for Disputes and Welfare in Arua, emphasized that the industrial action is legal and dismissed threats against teachers as baseless. 

She encouraged teachers to take legal action against anyone intimidating or harassing them.

“If someone trespasses into your home to threaten you, you can take them to court. Teachers should remain steadfast. The industrial action is intensifying, and we will not accept the stagnant 400,000 shillings salary that has become a mockery. Community threats will not deter us,” Gorrethy stated.

The industrial action, initiated by UNATU last month, has now entered its second month with no clear resolution from the government.