The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) has renewed calls for fair treatment of local government employees, challenging parliamentary leaders to act on long-standing salary disparities. The union’s statement comes amid growing frustration that some lawmakers appear to prioritize other public service issues, while local government workers continue to face discrimination and stagnation.
Speaking to the media, ULGWU leaders emphasized that their industrial action and advocacy are rooted in years of government neglect. Salaries for local government employees have remained largely stagnant since 2014, and despite signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 2018, the government has yet to fully honor its commitments.
“It is unacceptable that selective salary increments continue to favor certain groups of civil servants while those who form the backbone of service delivery across the country are left behind,” the union stated.
The union singled out parliamentary leadership for special attention. While Hon. Sarah Opendi, supported by Hon. Sewungu, has spoken out in favor of local government workers, ULGWU criticized other lawmakers for appearing to overlook the plight of municipal and district employees.
ULGWU leaders noted that the industrial action, which began on 1st October 2025, was only suspended after Right Hon. Speaker Anita Among intervened, promising to facilitate discussions addressing salary enhancements and curbing disparities.
“We paused the strike in good faith after the Speaker’s intervention,” the union stated. “However, our demands remain urgent. The government must end selective pay increases and treat all public servants fairly.”
The union also challenged local government associations, including the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), accusing them of neglecting local government workers’ concerns in petitions and negotiations with the state. ULGWU warned that continued exclusion could lead to a withdrawal of subscription fees to these associations.
ULGWU emphasized that local government employees’ rights are constitutionally protected, citing Article 29(1)(d) and Article 20(2) of the Ugandan Constitution, as well as Section 24(1)(a)(b) of the Labour Unions Act. Any interference from government officials or security personnel would be considered illegal.
“The struggle for fairness, dignity, and justice continues,” the union declared. “We will not be intimidated. Our goal is clear: end discriminatory salary structures and ensure that all public servants are treated equitably.”
With the backing of supportive MPs and the Speaker’s intervention, the union remains engaged in dialogue with government authorities, stressing that the issue is not about confrontation but about equality and honoring lawful agreements. ULGWU warns that failure to address these concerns could have far-reaching impacts on public service delivery, including critical programs such as the Parish Development Model.
