Local Government Workers Start Nationwide Strike Over Salary Inequities

The Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU) has officially started its nationwide industrial action after midnight on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The strike, following weeks of warning notices, comes as workers demand salary increases and protest what they describe as unfair and selective pay adjustments among civil servants.

According to the union, several attempts were made to engage government officials, including the Ministry of Public Service, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament. However, these efforts failed to yield results. The workers say they were left with no choice but to lay down their tools to send a stronger message to the government.

The ULGWU leadership explained that many local government workers remain demoralized due to salary disparities, where certain categories of civil servants receive higher pay while others performing work of equal value are left behind. They argue that this has created inequality and division within the public service.

Union leaders insist that the strike is protected under the Constitution of Uganda and international legal agreements to which the country is a signatory. They have also warned against any form of intimidation or harassment of striking workers, stating that such actions would be unlawful.

In their appeal, the workers called on Cabinet and Parliament to use their authority over the national budget to ensure all local government staff receive fair and improved pay. They also reminded the government that these workers implement most of its programmes and policies at the grassroots level.

The strike has already started nationwide, with local government offices in several districts paralyzed as staff joined the industrial action. This follows recent strikes by arts teachers and TVET instructors over similar demands, raising growing concerns about public sector pay disputes.