𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻

Starting July 2026, the government will implement a 25% phased salary increase for humanities teachers in government-aided secondary schools—marking a major step toward closing the long-standing pay gap with science educators.
The announcement was made by Vice President Jessica Alupo during the 120th anniversary celebrations of King’s College Budo. She described the move as a fulfillment of a 2022 pledge by Yoweri Museveni, signaling the government’s commitment to fairness within the education sector.
The salary enhancement, included in the FY 2026/27 budget, is projected to cost about UGX 500 billion in its initial phase, with additional increments planned annually until full pay parity is achieved. This adjustment will also contribute to a rise in the national wage bill, expected to exceed UGX 9 trillion next financial year.
Teachers’ unions have welcomed the development. Teopista Akello, head of the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union, described the decision as a turning point that will restore morale and enhance teaching quality. She emphasized that better-motivated teachers will ultimately improve learning outcomes for students.
For years, disparities between science and humanities teachers have affected motivation and classroom performance, limiting the development of critical thinking and cultural awareness among learners. With this pay reform, education stakeholders are optimistic about improved teacher retention, fewer labor disputes, and more balanced academic environments where all subjects are valued equally.
The move represents a significant stride toward a fairer and more effective education system—one that recognizes the vital role humanities play in shaping well-rounded citizens.