Teachers in Uganda commenced nationwide strike today as measures to intensify efforts in meeting their demands for 20 percent pay rise and better working conditions.

CEOAFRICA.com gathered that a primary teacher in Uganda earns about $120 per month, while a secondary teacher makes about $200.

Speaking about the industrial action, Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) President, James Tweheyo says public school teachers would boycott going to classrooms until all their demands are met.

“The teachers made a resolution that today, Monday, they will not be in school teaching, and we made it very clear to everybody after giving a notice to government of 90 days as required by law. Government has come out with some statements that schools should be open.  Yes schools will open, but we are saying a school without teachers is only a building, and we cannot pretend that things are going on well.”

Furthermore, Tweheyo says the teachers group will resist any attempt by government officials to intimidate or harass the striking teachers.

“We expect some government officials to visit some schools to intimidate some teachers, but the teachers have resolved, and even if teachers are harassed to [go] to schools I am sure without doubt these teachers are not teaching and parents should not be deceived that teachers are teaching.  Any teacher who goes to school will actually be pretending,” said Tweheyo.

Giving details about previous meetings with the government delegates, Tweheyo says there is a stalemate between the teachers and the commission set up by President Yoweri Museveni and headed by Jessica Alupo, after UNATU representatives pointed out areas in the budget where funds could be used to increase teachers pay.

“We pointed out money which was meant for luxuries for ministers like entertainment, foreign trips and they want this money for end of year parties.  We told them to make adjustments and reduce the cost of spending [in] those areas to give to the teachers, [but] this team was adamant and that is the point of dispute,” said Tweheyo.

Also, Tweheyo acknowledged that government has threatened to fire striking teachers

“Of course we know that government can do anything and we are prepared for a backlash, including an attempt to chase the teachers away from the job. We have said the government should act because government holds the key, it has the money and tomorrow if it is done, we are ready to settle down to class and teach these children to our best,” he concluded.