KAMPALA — The Government has proposed a significant salary enhancement for arts teachers and primary school administrators, in a bid to improve welfare, boost morale, and strengthen service delivery in the education sector.
Under the proposed structure, primary school headteachers would see their monthly salaries rise from UGX 980,000 to UGX 1.5 million. Deputy headteachers are also set to benefit, with their pay projected to increase from UGX 773,000 to UGX 1.3 million.
Officials say the planned adjustments are part of wider reforms aimed at addressing persistent salary disparities within the teaching profession, particularly among staff in government-aided primary schools.
A senior education official, who preferred anonymity because they are not authorised to speak publicly, said the proposal reflects growing recognition of the responsibilities carried by school administrators.
“We are working towards a more balanced and motivating pay structure that reflects the responsibilities carried by headteachers and their deputies,” the official said.
The proposal has been cautiously welcomed by teachers, many of whom say improved pay is long overdue but remain sceptical about implementation.
“This is good news, but we have heard promises before. What matters now is implementation, not just figures on paper,” said a primary school teacher in Wakiso District.
Another teacher noted that the increase could ease operational pressures faced by school leaders.
“If this increase is implemented fully, it will improve our morale and reduce the financial pressure many headteachers face in managing schools,” the teacher said.
Education stakeholders have consistently argued that better remuneration is critical to improving teacher retention, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing learning outcomes, especially in rural and underserved areas.
However, key details — including the funding mechanism and rollout timeline — remain unclear, leaving many educators waiting for formal confirmation.
The government is expected to provide further guidance in upcoming budget speeches and policy statements, where the full scope of the proposed salary reforms will be outlined.