Nationwide Strike Looms as Uganda Local Government Workers Demand Unpaid Salary Increases

Local government employees in Uganda are preparing to launch a nationwide strike on October 1, 2025, protesting the government’s failure to implement salary increases promised under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU), which represents workers across the country, has accused the government of fueling inequality by selectively granting pay hikes to some employees while leaving others without adjustments.

According to Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba, ULGWU spokesperson, the union has exhausted all channels for dialogue, including petitions to the Ministry of Public Service, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Parliament, but has received no response. “Despite repeated engagements, the government has failed to implement the phased salary increases outlined in the 2018 CBA. Local government workers are demoralized, and selective pay adjustments have caused divisions among civil servants,” Mudiba said.

The union also pointed to the rising cost of living, including inflation, transport, and rent, which are placing significant financial strain on workers. Mudiba emphasized that district and sub-county employees are crucial in connecting the government with local communities and ensuring accountability. He urged the government to implement salary increases across all sectors and settle arrears accumulated since 2018.

ULGWU further criticized the government’s decision to prioritize salary increases for scientists while neglecting other sectors, arguing that this move undermines the 2018 CBA. With dialogue avenues exhausted, the union stated that a strike is now the only feasible course of action.

The strike is expected to disrupt services in districts, municipalities, and sub-counties nationwide. The union has warned the public to anticipate interruptions in local government services. This action follows the ongoing strike by the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu), which began on September 15, 2025, over similar salary 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 promise for PAYE tax relief, although the latter has not yet been implemented. The growing unrest among civil servants suggests that the local government workers’ strike could increase pressure on the government to address long-standing salary inequalities.