The Uganda Local Government Workers Union has given the government three weeks to arrange a direct meeting with the President or risk a nationwide strike. The workers say their voices have been ignored for too long and only the President can resolve the long-standing issue of delayed salary enhancements.
Union leaders, National Chairperson Emmanuel Gidudu and General Secretary Hassan Mudiba, explained that they have met government officials three times but no progress has been made. They insist that ministers alone cannot approve salary changes.
“We want to meet the President directly because our voices are not being heard,” the union leaders said. They believe that only the President’s decision can unlock the salary enhancement that workers have waited for.
Many local government employees say they are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. They argue that fair pay is not only overdue but also essential to keep morale high and ensure vital services like health, education, and administration continue running effectively.
The union has already written to the responsible minister, warning that if their demand for a meeting is not granted within three weeks, they will mobilize workers across the country to strike. This would disrupt key services in districts and communities nationwide.
Observers say the coming weeks are crucial. The government must decide whether to engage directly with the workers, while the union must keep its members united and prepared. Ugandans are now watching to see whether dialogue with the President will happen or whether the strike will bring local services to a halt.
