Uganda Local Government Workers Petition Parliament Over Pay Inequities, Seek Direct Talks with President Museveni

Uganda’s Local Government employees, represented by the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU), have petitioned Parliament over long-standing neglect, broken promises, and unfair treatment related to pay and working conditions. The petition, dated 25th August 2025 and addressed to Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of Parliament, was presented by Workers’ MP Hon. Dr. Byakatonda Abdulhu (PhD). It was officially received and registered by the Office of the Clerk to Parliament on 28th August 2025 under Rule 58, with copies sent to the Deputy Speaker and Clerk for urgent attention.

The main concern of the petition is salary disparities. Under the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the government pledged phased salary increases for all public servants. However, only selected professionals—including scientists, doctors, engineers, judicial officers, and arts teachers—have benefited, earning between UGX 4 million and UGX 8 million per month. Meanwhile, local government staff such as planners, auditors, finance officers, and community development officers earn less than UGX 1 million. The union says this selective approach is unfair and demoralizing, violating workers’ rights and creating resentment in the public service.

The petition also highlights the government’s failure to implement the union check-off system, which allows automatic deduction and remittance of union subscription fees. Despite Ministry of Public Service directives, many local governments have ignored this system, weakening the union’s financial independence, reducing its bargaining power, and breaching both Uganda’s Constitution and international labor standards.

Stalled promotions are another major concern. Thousands of local government employees have remained in the same grade for over ten years, while politically connected individuals advance regardless of merit. The union says this practice lowers morale, encourages favoritism, and reduces efficiency in the public service.

The petition also points to wider mismanagement and inequality. While local government staff earn modest wages, Members of Parliament—some with only A-Level qualifications—receive over UGX 37 million monthly, along with allowances, foreign trips, and other perks. Billions spent on programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Lubowa Specialized Hospital are viewed as opportunities for mismanagement rather than real development.

ULGWU disputes government claims of insufficient funds for salary increases, citing high-cost events like the recent NRM conference. The union asks why resources are available for political events but not to fairly compensate frontline workers who sustain public services.

The union warns that if these issues are not addressed, key initiatives like the Parish Development Model, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, Youth Livelihood Programme, and Senior Citizens’ Grant could fail, as these programs rely on motivated frontline staff who currently feel ignored.

In their petition, workers demand restoration of the union check-off system, extension of salary enhancements to all local government staff in the 2025/2026 financial year, payment of salary arrears dating back to 2018 under the CBA, merit-based promotions, and legislation to reduce extreme wage disparities in the public service.

ULGWU stresses that workers are not seeking favors but fairness, recognition, and respect for their legal rights. By submitting their grievances to Parliament, Uganda’s local government staff are sending a clear message: those who keep public services running will no longer stay silent in the face of inequality.