Uganda Local Government Workers Set to Strike Nationwide Over Unpaid Salary Increases

Local government employees in Uganda are planning a nationwide strike starting October 1, 2025, after the government failed to implement promised salary increases under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU), representing workers across the country, accused the government of fostering inequality by selectively increasing salaries for some employees while leaving others behind.

ULGWU spokesperson Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba said the union had exhausted all avenues of dialogue, including petitions to the Ministry of Public Service, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Parliament, but received no response. “Despite repeated engagements, the government continues to ignore the phased salary increases outlined in the 2018 CBA. Local government workers are demoralized, while selective pay increases have sown division among civil servants,” Mudiba stated.

The union emphasized that rising inflation, transport costs, and rent are putting a heavy financial burden on workers. Mudiba also stressed the critical role of district and sub-county employees in linking the government with local communities and ensuring accountability. He called on the government to implement salary increases for all sectors and settle arrears dating back to 2018.

ULGWU further criticized the government for prioritizing salary increases for scientists while neglecting other sectors, undermining the 2018 CBA. With negotiations failing, the union said industrial action is now the only option.

The upcoming strike is expected to disrupt services across districts, municipalities, and sub-counties nationwide. The union has warned the public to anticipate interruptions in local government services. This follows ongoing industrial action by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu), which has been striking since September 15 over similar pay disparities.

Earlier this year, the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union staged a strike that secured temporary allowances, a Shs20 billion Sacco fund, and a presidential pledge for PAYE tax relief, which has yet to be implemented. Growing unrest among civil servants suggests that the upcoming strike by local government workers will increase pressure on the government to address long-standing salary inequalities.Rewrite the above article and just twist title abit and do not change the meaning of the article, keep the number of words and paragraphs, only Rewrite it but Don’t add more paragraphs