“Uganda Doesn’t Need You That Much As Compared To Science Teachers” Museveni Openly Tells Arts Teachers

President Yoweri Museveni has defended his government’s decision to prioritise higher salaries for science teachers over arts teachers, saying Uganda urgently needs engineers, doctors, and crop scientists more than poets and other arts professionals. He made the remarks on Friday in Mbarara while addressing educators.

Speaking at Ntare School, where he presided over the passing out of 1,372 secondary school teachers who had completed a patriotism course, Museveni argued that the pay increase for science teachers was driven by national necessity, not preference. He emphasized that the country’s development depends on professionals who can support infrastructure, health, and agriculture.

“We need roads, factories, veterinary doctors, and crop scientists,” Museveni said. “Since we need these very badly, why don’t we start by paying scientists a bit better so they help us go to another level? What we need now is how to maintain that road, not poetry.”

In 2022, the government increased salaries for graduate science teachers from about 1.1 million shillings ($290) to 4 million shillings ($1,050) per month. Diploma-holding science teachers also received a raise to 3 million shillings. Arts and humanities teachers, however, were not included, sparking protests, strikes, and demands for equal treatment.

Teachers’ unions, especially the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU), have strongly criticised the move, claiming it creates inequality within the profession. They warn that ignoring arts teachers could lower morale and worsen teacher shortages, particularly in rural areas. Opposition politicians have also voiced concerns that sidelining arts threatens governance, culture, and social sciences.

Museveni maintained that the decision reflects urgency rather than discrimination. He assured arts teachers that their salaries would be reviewed once more resources become available. “It’s not that we don’t want to pay others well, but we must start where the need is greatest,” he explained, asking for patience and understanding.

The event was attended by First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni, who congratulated the graduates and called teachers “a critical asset” in shaping national values. She encouraged them to embrace sacrificial service and patriotism. Despite Uganda allocating nearly a fifth of its budget to education, the sector still faces challenges including underfunding, high youth unemployment, and frequent strikes.