Lecturers and trainers from 150 government technical institutions under the Uganda Technical and Vocational Trainers’ Union (UTVTU) have declared a nationwide strike ahead of the schools’ reopening on Monday next week.
Speaking to reporters in Kampala on September 11, UTVT General Secretary Norbert Agaba said they have been engaging the government over various issues affecting them with hopes of getting lasting solutions, but the government instead threatened them.
He added other issues include demanding the government to consider Agriculture and Shoe-making Trainers as Scientists like in other sectors, involving Trainers through the Union in decision-making processes under the TVET sub-sector, providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to Trainers for conducting practical lessons, and the implementation of promotional ladders in the TVET sub-sector and timely recruitment.
Jude Okello, the Union’s national Chairperson, questioned why the government chose to threaten them instead of engaging in dialogue and assured TVET trainers and lecturers of full protection in case of intimidation.
In response, the Ministry of Public Service, through Permanent Secretary Ms. Catherine Bitarakwate, appealed to the UTVTU leadership to halt the planned strike, citing ongoing consultations and the need to exhaust dispute settlement machinery.
However, the Union insists their actions are backed by Section 71 of the Public Service Act, allowing workers to strike after exhausting negotiation channels.
