Local Government Workers Defy Ultimatum, Insist on Fair Pay and Equality

The standoff between Uganda’s government and local government employees has deepened after the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) rejected an ultimatum from the Minister of Public Service, vowing to continue their nationwide strike until long-standing issues of unfair pay and discrimination are addressed.

In a strongly worded statement, the union dismissed the minister’s recent promise of a salary increment as “deceptive and diversionary,” arguing that it was intended to weaken their resolve. The ULGWU accused the government of marginalizing local government staff, noting that their salaries have remained stagnant since 2014, despite a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2018.

According to the union, the government’s approach to salary enhancement has been selective and unjust, favoring certain categories of civil servants while neglecting others who deliver essential services at the grassroots level. “We will not be swayed by empty promises,” the statement read. “Our members continue to serve under an unfair and discriminatory pay structure that must be corrected.”

The union reaffirmed its right to peaceful industrial action under Articles 29(1)(d) and 20(2) of the Constitution and Section 24(1)(a)(b) of the Labour Unions Act. It warned that any interference from district leaders, police, or resident commissioners would constitute an illegal act and attract legal consequences.

ULGWU also expressed disappointment with the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), accusing them of sidelining workers’ salary concerns in their engagements with the government. The union threatened to withdraw subscription payments to these associations if they continue to ignore employees’ welfare.

Since the strike began on 1st October 2025, service delivery across several districts has been disrupted, with key programs—including the Parish Development Model—affected. The union warned that continued government inaction would only worsen the situation.

Calling for an end to selective salary enhancements, ULGWU likened the current wage structure to an “apartheid-style system” that undermines equality and fairness within the public service. The union urged the government to honor its obligations under the 2018 CBA and implement a fair, transparent pay policy for all workers.

“Our position is unwavering,” the union declared. “We will not be intimidated by threats or false promises. This struggle is about dignity, justice, and equality for every local government worker.”