Local government employees in Uganda are planning a nationwide strike starting October 1, 2025, over the government’s failure to implement salary increases promised under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) says selective pay enhancements have created divisions among civil servants, leaving many employees unpaid and demoralized.
ULGWU spokesperson Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba said the union had exhausted all attempts at dialogue, including petitions to the Ministry of Public Service, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Parliament. “Despite repeated engagements, the government continues to ignore the phased salary increases promised in the 2018 CBA. Local government workers are feeling demoralized, while selective pay increases have created inequality,” he said.
The union highlighted the growing financial pressures faced by employees due to rising inflation, transportation costs, and housing expenses. Workers at district and sub-county levels, who play a vital role in linking the government with local communities, are particularly affected. Mudiba urged the government to implement salary increases for all sectors and settle arrears dating back to 2018.
ULGWU also criticized the government for prioritizing salary increases for scientists while neglecting other sectors, undermining the 2018 CBA. With internal government mechanisms failing to resolve the issue, the union says industrial action is now the only viable option.
The strike is expected to disrupt service delivery across districts, municipalities, and sub-counties nationwide. The union warned the public to expect interruptions in local government services. This comes as the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) continues its ongoing strike over similar salary disparities, and following earlier industrial action by the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union, which secured temporary allowances and pledges that remain unfulfilled.
The upcoming strike underscores growing unrest among public servants and increasing pressure on the government to address long-standing pay gaps before further disruption of public services occurs.
