The strike, which began on September 15, 2025, stems from long-standing salary disparities between teachers of different disciplines.

Currently, Science teachers in government secondary schools earn up to three times more than their counterparts in the Arts, prompting the latter to demand pay increments that reflect equity and fairness.

In a press release issued on Friday signed by IRCU secretary General, Joshua Kitakure, expressed deep concern over the impasse, warning that the greatest casualties are the children, whose education and futures are now hanging in the balance.

The Council emphasized that the prolonged absence of teachers from classrooms could result in far-reaching social consequences, including a repeat of the COVID-19 pandemic’s educational setbacks when school closures contributed to high dropout rates, increased abuse, and a spike in teenage pregnancies.

The IRCU reaffirmed its belief that all public servants, including teachers, deserve fair, competitive, and non-discriminatory** remuneration.

While commending the government’s commitment to phased salary enhancements, the Council called for the establishment of a Salary Review Commission to harmonize pay structures across all government sectors.

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