Local Government Workers Reject Ultimatum, Maintain Strike

Tensions between Uganda’s government and local government workers have intensified after the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) rejected an ultimatum from the Minister of Public Service. The union described the minister’s promise of a pay rise as “a sham and diversionary” and confirmed that the strike will continue until long-standing issues of unfair pay, discrimination, and neglect are fully addressed.

ULGWU accused the government of sidelining local government staff, whose salaries have remained stagnant since 2014. Despite signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 2018, the union says the government has consistently failed to honor its commitments. They criticized selective salary increments given to other civil servants, leaving local government employees—key to nationwide service delivery—excluded.

The union dismissed the minister’s statement as a political tactic aimed at dividing workers and undermining lawful industrial action. “This is not the first time the government has made empty promises,” the statement read. “We will not be misled again while our members continue to suffer under discriminatory pay structures.”

ULGWU reaffirmed its constitutional right to peaceful assembly and industrial action under Articles 29(1)(d) and 20(2) of the Ugandan Constitution, citing Section 24(1)(a)(b) of the Labour Unions Act. They warned that any interference by district officials, police, or resident commissioners would be illegal and actionable.

The union also criticized the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) for submitting self-serving petitions that ignore local government workers’ salary concerns. Members may withhold subscription fees if this neglect continues.

The strike, which began on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, has disrupted local government operations nationwide. ULGWU warned that continued government inaction could further cripple service delivery, including key programs like the Parish Development Model.

Describing the current pay system as “apartheid-style,” the union urged the government to uphold fairness, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution and promoted by the Equal Opportunities Commission.

ULGWU concluded by reiterating that the strike will continue until the government meets their demands and honors the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement. “Our resolve remains firm,” the union said. “We will not be intimidated by threats or ultimatums. The fight for fairness, dignity, and justice for local government workers goes on.”