KAMPALA.The Ministry of Public Service has invited leaders of labour unions for a meeting to discuss issues raised during recent strikes, including salary disparities and promotion structures.
The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday November 11, will involve representatives from the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu ), Uganda Local Government Workers Union, and Uganda Technical and Vocational Trainers Union.
This development comes after a series of industrial actions by the unions, protesting government failure to address their grievances.
Unatu had gone on strike on September 15, 2025, and suspended it on October 17, 2025, after 32 days.
The Uganda Technical and Vocational Trainers Union also began a strike on September 15, 2025, citing lack of action from the Ministry of Public Service despite promises and negotiations that began in November 2024.
The Uganda Local Government Workers Union joined the strike on October 1, 2025, and called it off for three months to allow dialogue.
The unions’ key demands include salary reclassification, recognizing technical fields as “science” fields for better pay, and resolving issues like unpaid salaries for some staff and misclassification of certain roles.
The strikes were also aimed at addressing the pay gap between science and arts teachers, among other concerns.
Mr Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba, Secretary General of the Uganda Local Government Workers Union, confirmed receiving the invitation and expressed readiness to attend the meeting.
“Yesterday Friday, I got a letter from the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Service Madam Catherine Bitarakwate inviting us for an inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday 11th November 2025,” he said. “This follows the Union petition to the right Hon Speaker and the subsequent stay of the industrial action, so we are ready, we are going for that meeting to see what comes out of it,” he added.
The government had previously declared the strikes illegal and issued ultimatums for workers to return to duty or face dismissal.
Public Service Minister Muruli Mukasa, stated that the strikes were illegal because the proper dispute settlement procedures and legal requirements had not been met. However, unions maintained that their actions were legal and necessary until concrete steps are taken to address pay parity.
The meeting aims to address the unions’ concerns and find a resolution to the ongoing issues. The outcome of the meeting is eagerly awaited by the unions and their members, who hope for a positive response to their demands.