EDUCATION
INTERNATIONAL
Structure of UNATU UNATU represents teaching staff at all levels from primary, secondary and university in public or government supported institutions. It was registered under the Trade Union Act (2000) after a merger of the Uganda Teachers’ Association (UTA) and the Uganda National Union of Teachers (UNUT). It has national wide structures starting at school level, and including sub-county, district, regional and national level. It has a national secretariat headed by the General Secretary, with 40 full time staff, of whom 20 are based at the regional secretariats in the 10 regions. There is a 5 yearly Conference, a National Executive Council and regional, branch, sub-branch and school level committees. The union constitution was amended in 2010 to take into account various structural changes proposed by the leadership. It has strong gender representation provisions. There is a check-off system in place, following lobbying with the government, and dues amount to 1% of the basic salary. UNATU reports that there are problems as a result of delays in setting up the check-off system for new members and the deletion of teachers from the pay roll, because of administrative errors, which greatly affects the members, as well as union income. Membership Since 2008, membership of the union has been increasing steadily. December 2008
December 2009
December 2010
December 2011
December 2012
69,300
77,992
79,069
81,301
83,000
Status of Teachers Teachers working in public institutions in Uganda have pubic employee status. Primary school teachers are appointed by the District Service Commission and secondary and postsecondary teachers are appointed by the Education Service Commission. The salary scale is established by the Ministry of Education and Sport, known as the teachers’ scheme of service. Teacher salary increments are included as part of the annual budget adopted by Parliament. Salary payments are made by the Ministry of Public Service.
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Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining Freedom of association and collective bargaining are constitutional rights. Uganda adopted new labour legislation in 2006, with the Trade Unions Act and the Labour Disputes Arbitration and Settlement Act 2006. The Trade Unions Act provides for the right to organise and to bargain collectively of all workers, whether in the private or public sector, with the exception of the Armed Forces and the right to strike. Under this legislation, it is a criminal offence to obstruct the right to organise. However, organising is still effectively prohibited in the Export Processing Zones. There is also a requirement to give 90 days’ notice of an intention to carry out industrial action.