UASU’s Fresh Strike Ultimatum: Lecturers Demand December Salaries and Arrears.
- DERRICK INGARA
- Jan 2
- 2 min read
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate payment of December salaries along with arrears dating back to September 2024. This standoff threatens to plunge public universities into yet another strike as frustrations over unfulfilled promises boil over.
UASU Accuses Government of Broken Promises
UASU’s National Organising Secretary, Onesmus Maluki Mutio, expressed the union’s dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to honour the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Mutio highlighted that despite repeated assurances from Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, university lecturers went for Christmas without the promised pay.
"We saw a circular from the PS directing universities to prepare to pay the new salaries in December. However, this directive has once again been ignored, leaving dons to celebrate the holidays empty-handed," lamented Mutio.
The lecturers’ union revealed that it had signed a return-to-work agreement with the Ministry of Education, hoping for the implementation of the revised salaries and arrears. Despite this, the government’s inaction has left lecturers disillusioned.
Warning of a Total Work Stoppage
Mutio warned that if the lecturers take to the streets again, they will not resume teaching until all dues are cleared.
"They have refused to keep their word twice. If we go back to the streets, we will not return to the classrooms until everything is paid," Mutio declared firmly.
The union’s frustration stems from a pattern of unfulfilled promises. Last year, lecturers endured two major strikes characterized by teargas-filled protests as they demanded fair compensation. The current demands include:
Payment of December 2024 salaries.
Settlement of arrears from September to November 2024.
Call for CS Ogamba’s Resignation
In a scathing statement, UASU called for the resignation of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, accusing him of incompetence and failure to address lecturers’ grievances.
"How can you promise dons their dues and then fail to deliver? This level of negligence cannot continue," criticized Mutio. The union insists that Ogamba’s inability to resolve these longstanding issues has left public universities in turmoil.
Impact on the Education Sector
The looming strike threatens to disrupt academic programs across public universities, delaying graduations and stalling research projects. As UASU intensifies its push for fair treatment, students and parents remain anxious about the potential impact on the fragile education sector.
What’s Next?
The government has until January 15 to address the lecturers’ demands. If no action is taken, UASU’s resolve to strike could begin another turbulent chapter for higher education in the country.
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