ULGWU Demands Action from MPs on Salary Discrimination in Public Service

The Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) has renewed its call for equal treatment of local government employees, urging parliamentary leaders to address the persistent salary disparities that continue to affect the sector. This renewed plea comes as frustration grows among local government workers, who feel neglected while other public service issues take precedence.

Speaking to the media, ULGWU leaders emphasized that their ongoing industrial action and advocacy are driven by years of government neglect. Salaries for local government employees have remained largely unchanged since 2014, despite a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) signed in 2018, which the government has yet to fully honor.

“It is unacceptable that selective salary increments continue to favor certain civil servants, while those who form the backbone of service delivery across the country are left behind,” the union stated.

ULGWU placed particular blame on the parliamentary leadership for failing to prioritize local government workers’ issues. While Hon. Sarah Opendi, backed by Hon. Sewungu, has been vocal in supporting the workers, the union criticized other lawmakers for seemingly ignoring the struggles of municipal and district employees.

The union also highlighted that their industrial action, which began on 1st October 2025, was temporarily suspended following intervention from Right Hon. Speaker Anita Among, who promised to facilitate discussions aimed at addressing salary disparities.

“We suspended the strike in good faith after the Speaker’s intervention,” the union said. “However, our demands remain urgent. The government must end selective pay increases and treat all public servants fairly.”

Additionally, ULGWU accused local government associations, including the Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) and the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU), of failing to advocate for the concerns of local government workers during negotiations with the state. The union warned that continued neglect could lead to a withdrawal of subscription fees from these associations.

The union reiterated that local government employees’ rights are constitutionally protected, citing provisions from the Ugandan Constitution and the Labour Unions Act. Any interference from government officials or security personnel would be considered illegal.

“The struggle for fairness, dignity, and justice continues,” ULGWU declared. “We will not be intimidated. Our goal is clear: end discriminatory salary structures and ensure that all public servants are treated equitably.”

With support from sympathetic MPs and Speaker Among’s intervention, ULGWU remains engaged in dialogue with government authorities, underscoring that the issue is not one of confrontation but of equality and adherence to legal agreements. The union warned that failure to resolve these concerns could have far-reaching consequences for public service delivery, including vital programs like the Parish Development Model.