Kampala — The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) has announced industrial action beginning October 1, citing the government’s failure to honor phased salary increases promised under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba, the union’s spokesperson, said all avenues for dialogue had been exhausted, including petitions to the Ministry of Public Service, the Office of the Prime Minister, and Parliament.
“We are dismayed that despite repeated engagements, government has ignored the phased salary enhancements promised under the 2018 CBA. Local government workers have been left hopeless, while selective salary increases have caused polarization and demoralization among civil servants,” Mudiba told reporters.
ULGWU, which represents local government employees across the country, said salary disparities have worsened the impact of inflation, rising rent, and transport costs on workers.
Mudiba stressed that staff at district and sub-county levels are vital to connecting government with communities and ensuring accountability.
“Government must recognize the work of local government employees and implement salary enhancements across the board, including arrears dating back to 2018. Internal mechanisms have failed, leaving industrial action as the only viable option,” he added.
The union accused the government of acting in bad faith by enhancing salaries for scientists while neglecting other cadres, effectively rendering the 2018 CBA “inconsequential.”
The strike is expected to paralyze service delivery in districts, municipalities, and sub-counties nationwide. ULGWU has advised the public to prepare for disruptions in government services.
The announcement comes as the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (Unatu) continues a nationwide strike that began September 15 over similar salary disparities.
Earlier this year, the Uganda Professional Humanities Teachers Union also staged industrial action, securing temporary allowances, a Shs20 billion Sacco fund, and a presidential promise of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax relief, although the latter has not been implemented.
With public service strikes piling up, government faces mounting pressure to address pay gaps that have become a flashpoint for unrest among civil servants.
