Are teachers at Kampala Parents’ School the latest victims of wage exploitation?

Teachers at Kampala Parents’ School, one of Uganda’s elite private schools owned by businessman Sudhir Ruparelia, have accused the administration of exploiting local staff through low pay and unequal treatment.

In a rare demonstration on the school’s premises, the teachers voiced frustration over meager wages, alleging that their salaries are dwarfed by those of non-teaching staff, particularly Asian security personnel, some of whom reportedly earn over UGX 3 million per month.

Teachers, despite their qualifications and critical role in education, claim to earn as little as UGX 500,000 a figure they argue is insufficient for basic living expenses.

This incident highlights recurring accusations of exploitation within Sudhir Ruparelia’s business empire. Previous protests by workers at his Speke Resort Hotel revealed claims of discriminatory pay structures, with Ugandan staff alleging they are overworked and underpaid compared to Indian counterparts.

In another controversial episode, Ruparelia dismissed the entire staff of Sanyu FM in 2020 after they raised concerns about inadequate pay during the COVID-19 lockdown. Those who sought reinstatement had to apologize and reapply, but alleged “ring leaders” were permanently blacklisted.

The protesting educators at Kampala Parents’ School argue that their treatment reflects a broader pattern of undermining local labor. They have called on school management to review their remuneration and prioritize their welfare, warning of declining morale that could impact student performance.

The Ministry of Education and labor unions are being urged to investigate these allegations and enforce labor laws to protect workers from exploitation. Critics say that Sudhir Ruparelia’s businesses have long flouted fair labor practices, exploiting Uganda’s weak labor protections to maximize profits.

Dr. Simon Kiggundu, a labor relations expert condemned such practices, stating, “The systematic undervaluing of teaching staff reflects a disregard for labor rights and professional equity. Employers, particularly in high-revenue institutions, must bridge wage gaps and ensure compliance with labor standards.”

Teachers argue that their pay is insufficient to meet basic needs, especially in an economy where living costs continue to rise. They have called on the Ministry of Education and labor unions to intervene.

“Institutions like Kampala Parents’ School must lead by example. Fair wages are not just a legal obligation; they are a moral imperative,” added Dr. Kiggundu.

The ongoing protests have sparked broader conversations about inequality in private institutions and the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure equitable treatment of Ugandan workers.