Our reporter, Sheema
As Ugandan teachers across the country resume a nationwide strike over longstanding grievances—low pay, heavy taxation, and deteriorating working conditions—debate has been reignited around remarks made by Professor Elijah Mushemeza during the 2022 science teachers’ strike.
Prof. Mushemeza, a Member of Parliament and educationist, found himself at the center of controversy three years ago when he remarked that “teachers are too poor to sustain a strike.” The statement, although grounded in economic observation, drew heavy backlash fromg a section of teachers and the public who perceived it as demeaning.
Facing the backlash, Prof. Mushemeza issued a video apology, clarifying his intentions and withdrawing the statement. However, even after the apology, a vocal minority of teachers continued to spread hostility against him, accusing him of being insensitive.
Now, in 2025, as yet another strike unfolds, many observers say time has vindicated Prof. Mushemeza.
“Truth Was Misunderstood”
A recent statement by Kubaruho Peter, a senior teacher and vocal education advocate, has stirred fresh discussion. Referring to Mushemeza’s apology, Kubaruho expressed disappointment not in the original comment—but in the fact that the Professor felt pressured to apologize at all.
“Teachers are too poor to sustain a strike—I repeat it,” Kubaruho stated boldly. “That’s what Mushemeza was telling you, not only as a leader but also as an educationist. However, you didn’t understand him, and that’s why we chose propaganda over reality.”
In a passionate social media post that has since gone viral, Kubaruho accused certain teacher groups of deliberately misrepresenting Mushemeza’s intent, choosing instead to spread hatred rather than engage critically with the painful truth he offered.
He further noted that teachers in Uganda operate under systemic oppression: underpaid, overtaxed, and trapped in a cycle of loans in a hostile economic environment. He drew comparisons with domestic workers abroad who earn more than Ugandan teachers, despite the latter being pillars of the country’s future.
“It’s hard to teach for more than 15 years in Uganda and not suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, or self-neglect,” Kubaruho added. “The system has broken the teacher.”
A Missed Opportunity?
Kubaruho’s reflection raises a compelling question: did teachers misinterpret Mushemeza’s warning in 2022, missing a vital opportunity to amplify their cause?
Instead of using his remarks as fuel to sustain their movement and hold the government accountable, many turned their frustration on the man who had simply verbalized a harsh reality. And, as Kubaruho notes, even if Mushemeza had joined the strike, it’s unlikely his lone voice in Parliament would have changed much, given how Parliament operates in Uganda.
“A Member of Parliament is more like a system house help—always guided on what to do rather than what society sent them to do,” Kubaruho wrote. “Laws favoring the people get lost while MPs lounge in saunas or jet off on trips. Those favoring the system pass swiftly, even with bribes.”
He points to leaders from Kigezi, including long-serving MPs like Jim Muhwezi, David Bahati, and Ruhakana Rugunda, Chris Baryomunsi as examples of how longevity in office does not necessarily translate to meaningful change.
Beyond Blame: Where Next?
While some few teachers continue to hold grudges against Mushemeza, a growing number are beginning to reflect differently. They now see his statement not as mockery, but as a blunt mirror of their economic and social vulnerability—a wake-up call that, had it been understood properly, could have been a catalyst rather than a controversy.
Teachers’ unions like UNATU are also coming under increased scrutiny, with accusations of compromise and inertia. Critics say these “umbrellas” are offering no shelter from the economic storm that continues to batter the profession
As the strike enters a critical phase, all eyes are on whether teachers will use this moment to finally channel collective energy into sustainable action—or once again allow truth to be drowned in the noise of misplaced anger.
