A new study by Makerere University and the Ministry of Public Service has revealed significant disparities in performance, motivation, and retention between science and arts teachers following the Government’s salary enhancement policy.

The report, titled Impact of Salary Enhancement on the Performance of Secondary School Teachers in Uganda, was presented to the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Wilson Muruli Mukasa, on 13th November 2025. The research was funded by the Government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF).

The study examined the effects of the 2018 pay reform, which sharply increased salaries for science teachers while leaving arts teachers at a much lower pay level. By 2022, science teachers had reached 77 percent of the approved pay target compared to only 12 percent for arts teachers.

Lead researcher Dr. Cyprian Misinde said the disparities have broad implications for education quality, human capital development, and national equity goals. He said the imbalance threatens progress under the National Development Plan and global targets such as SDG 4 on Quality Education and SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

Researchers collected data from 1,352 teachers across 14 sub-regions and held interviews with head teachers and focus group discussions with students. The findings show sharp contrasts in motivation, retention, and perceived performance. Science teachers reported high motivation at 80.5 percent and strong performance at 76.5 percent. Arts teachers reported only 25.5 percent motivation and 17.8 percent performance.

The study found that 85.3 percent of all teachers agreed that higher salaries improve retention. However, it also revealed that salary enhancement alone was not matched with necessary investments in infrastructure, learning materials, and instructional tools.

The report warns that widening disparities could destabilize the teaching workforce, deepen inequality, and undermine holistic learning. Researchers recommended reviewing the pay policy to reduce salary gaps and strengthen support systems across all subject areas.

Presenting the findings, Hon. Muruli Mukasa said the Government remains committed to improving teacher welfare. “The Government approved a public pay policy which includes progressive salary enhancement for secondary school teachers, particularly those teaching science subjects,” he said. He noted that UGX 2.5 trillion has been committed to salary enhancement by FY2025/26 but acknowledged emerging concerns.
“Even among teachers whose salaries were enhanced, some are applying for early retirement and their motivation to teach has declined. This study was hence commissioned to understand the immediate and future impact of this pay reform,” he added.

Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, the State Minister for Gender and Cultural Affairs, urged stakeholders to address the challenges facing the education sector and ensure reforms are equitable and sustainable.

The study is one of the first outputs under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2024 between Makerere University and the Ministry of Public Service. Prof. Robert Wamala said the collaboration strengthens evidence-based policy and governance.
“The MoU… forges a stronger bond between academia and Government for the greater good of society,” he said.

Under the MoU, the two institutions committed to joint research, policy studies, data sharing, capacity building, and curriculum development to support government reforms.