Uganda’s Local Government workers, represented by the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU), have submitted a formal petition to Parliament citing long-standing neglect, broken promises, and unfair treatment regarding pay and working conditions. The petition, dated 25th August 2025 and addressed to Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament, was presented by Workers’ MP Hon. Dr. Byakatonda Abdulhu (PhD). It was officially received and registered by the Office of the Clerk to Parliament on 28th August 2025 under Rule 58, with copies sent to the Deputy Speaker and Clerk for urgent consideration.
The central concern is salary disparities. Under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the government pledged phased salary increases for all public servants. However, only select professionals—such as scientists, doctors, engineers, judicial officers, and arts teachers—have benefited, earning between UGX 4 million and UGX 8 million per month. Meanwhile, local government staff, including planners, auditors, finance officers, and community development officers, continue to earn below UGX 1 million. The union calls this selective implementation unfair and demoralizing, arguing that it violates workers’ rights and fosters resentment within public service.
The petition also points to the government’s failure to implement the union check-off system, which allows automatic deduction and remittance of union subscription fees. Despite directives from the Ministry of Public Service, many local governments have ignored this system, weakening the union’s financial independence, reducing bargaining power, and breaching both Uganda’s Constitution and international labor standards.
Stalled promotions remain another critical issue. Thousands of local government workers have remained in the same grade for over a decade, while politically connected individuals continue to advance regardless of merit. According to the union, this practice has lowered morale, entrenched favoritism, and undermined service efficiency.
The petition further highlights broader mismanagement and inequality. While local government staff earn modest wages, Members of Parliament—some with only A-Level qualifications—receive over UGX 37 million monthly, alongside allowances, foreign trips, and other perks. Billions spent on initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Lubowa Specialized Hospital are seen as opportunities for mismanagement rather than genuine development.
ULGWU disputes government claims of insufficient funds for salary enhancements, citing the recent NRM conference, which reportedly cost billions. The union questions why funds are available for political events but not to fairly compensate frontline workers who sustain public services.
The union warns that unless these concerns are addressed urgently, key programs such as the Parish Development Model, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, Youth Livelihood Programme, and Senior Citizens’ Grant risk failure, as these initiatives depend on motivated frontline staff who currently feel neglected.
In their petition, workers demand the restoration of the union check-off system, extension of salary enhancements to all local government staff in the 2025/2026 financial year, payment of salary arrears dating back to 2018 under the CBA, implementation of merit-based promotions, and legislation to reduce extreme wage disparities within the public service.
ULGWU emphasizes that workers are not asking for favors but for fairness, recognition, and respect for their legal rights. By bringing their grievances to Parliament, Uganda’s local government staff are sending a clear message: those who keep public services running will no longer remain silent amid inequality.
