Local Government Workers Reject Ultimatum, Vow to Continue Strike for Fair Pay

The standoff between Uganda’s government and local government workers escalated after the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) dismissed an ultimatum issued by the Minister of Public Service. In a strongly worded statement, the union condemned the minister’s recent promise of a pay rise as “a sham and diversionary,” insisting that the strike will continue until long-standing issues of discrimination, unfair pay, and neglect are fully addressed.

The union accused the government of marginalizing local government staff, whose salaries have remained stagnant since 2014. Despite signing a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 2018, the government has consistently failed to honor its commitments. ULGWU criticized selective salary increments given to certain civil servants, leaving out critical local government workers who form the backbone of service delivery nationwide.

In its statement, the union expressed deep frustration with the minister’s remarks, calling the supposed pay rise a political tactic aimed at dividing workers and undermining lawful industrial action. “This is not the first time the government has made empty promises,” the statement read. “We cannot be deceived again while our members continue to suffer under discriminatory salary structures.”

The union reaffirmed its constitutional right to peaceful assembly and industrial action under Articles 29(1)(d) and 20(2) of the Ugandan Constitution, and cited Section 24(1)(a)(b) of the Labour Unions Act. They warned that any interference from district officials, police, or resident commissioners would be illegal and subject to legal action.

ULGWU also criticized the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), accusing them of betraying workers by presenting petitions that exclude salary concerns. The union warned that continued neglect could lead members to stop remitting subscription fees to these associations.

The strike, which began on Wednesday, 1st October 2025, has disrupted several local government activities across the country. The union cautioned that ongoing government inaction would further affect service delivery, including key national programs like the Parish Development Model.

In a passionate appeal, ULGWU urged the government to end selective salary enhancements that have created division within the public service, likening the current pay structure to an “apartheid-style” system that privileges a few at the expense of many. They called on the state to uphold fairness and equality as enshrined in the Constitution and championed by the Equal Opportunities Commission.

Concluding the statement, the union reaffirmed that the strike will not end until the government meets their demands and honors the 2018 CBA. “Our resolve remains firm,” they declared. “We will not be intimidated by threats or ultimatums. The struggle for fairness, dignity, and justice for local government workers continues.”