Education Ministry Orders Private Schools to Pay Teachers Despite Closure of Schools

The Ministry of Education and Sports has ordered Directors of private schools to pay salaries of teachers and other workers despite closure of schools.

“My attention has been drawn to various reports that teachers and other workers in education institutions especially privately owned institutions are not being paid due salaries,” the Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza expressed concern.

By 19th May, education institutions in the country had been closed for 2 months.

According to Kakooza, the 2-months closure of schools is less than the time that was left on the first Term of 2020 including holidays.

“The budget for salaries for the first term should be adequate to pay the staff for at least 3 months,” said Kakooza.

He added, “This is therefore to remind you that you are required to pay your employees during the lockdown period in accordance with the Employment Act and as per the agreed employment contracts.”

According to the Ministry of Education and Sports Guidelines for staff employment in private schools and institutions, Guideline number 5(9) provides that school management shall pay the full-time staff during both school term and school holidays.

In his most recent address on 19th May 2020, President Museveni said that schools and tertiary institutions will reopen on 4th June but for only candidate classes.

It is not yet known when other classes will resume studies.