The government has said it cannot increase teachers' salaries at the moment due to financial constraints, despite an ongoing strike that has crippled learning in public schools for three weeks.

Minister of Public Service Wilson Muruli Mukasa told Parliament's Committee on Local Government that Uganda funds only 31% of its national budget, depending heavily on loans and grants for the rest.

He said this limited capacity made it impossible to meet teachers' immediate salary demands.

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"The government is committed to improving teachers' welfare, but we need to work within our means," Mukasa said.

He assured MPs that salary disparities would be addressed in a phased manner and working conditions improved.

The Uganda National Association of Teachers Union (UNATU) went on strike over unpaid salary increments promised in 2019.

Officials from the union accuse the government of backtracking on its commitments while the cost of living rises and working conditions worsen.

In response, the government has issued teachers a one-week ultimatum to return to class or face disciplinary action, with Mukasa warning that those who fail to report back will be treated as having abandoned their posts.

He revealed that under the 2026/2027 budget, the government plans to enhance salaries by 25% for humanity teachers. But UNATU insists that a more immediate and comprehensive plan is needed to resolve salary disparities across the teaching profession.

Parliament has since urged the government to design a sustainable salary enhancement framework for all public officers, with clear budgetary allocations and timelines.