JUST IN!! Uganda’s Local Government Workers Demand Fair Pay and Treatment in Petition to Parliament

Uganda’s Local Government workers, through the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU), have petitioned Parliament over years of neglect, broken promises, and unfair treatment. Presented by Workers’ MP Hon. Dr. Byakatonda Abdulhu, the petition highlights that thousands of staff remain underpaid, unrecognized, and demoralized despite government assurances.

At the core of the dispute is salary inequality. The 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement promised phased salary increases for all public servants, yet only select groups—such as scientists, doctors, engineers, judicial officers, and arts teachers—have received raises between four and eight million shillings. Meanwhile, equally qualified local government staff, including planners, auditors, finance officers, and community development officers, earn less than one million shillings. The union says this selective approach has caused frustration and division across the civil service.

The petition also criticizes mismanagement of development funds. Programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) are allegedly rewarding illiteracy or absenteeism, while high-profile projects such as Lubowa Specialized Hospital have reportedly become channels for siphoning public money. At the same time, Members of Parliament—many of whom are Form Six leavers—receive over 37 million shillings in salaries plus allowances, fringe benefits, and foreign trips, highlighting the vast gap between frontline workers and political elites.

Stalled promotions are another major grievance. Many local government employees have remained in the same grade for over a decade, with some retiring without advancing. The petition cites favoritism, with relatives of politicians promoted over more qualified officers, undermining meritocracy and service delivery.

The union also notes the failure to implement the check-off system, which allows automatic deduction of union dues. Despite Ministry of Public Service directives, many local governments refuse to comply, weakening the union financially and limiting its ability to defend members’ rights. The union argues this violates constitutional rights and international labor standards.

Workers warn that continued neglect could jeopardize critical government programs such as the Parish Development Model, Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, Youth Livelihood Programme, and Senior Citizens’ Grant, all of which rely on motivated local government staff.

The union is demanding immediate restoration of the check-off system, extension of salary enhancements to all local government staff in 2025/2026, payment of arrears dating back to 2018, a clear merit-based promotion policy, and legislation to reduce extreme wage gaps in public service.

The workers insist they are not asking for favors but for fairness and recognition. Through this petition, Uganda’s local government staff are calling for justice, inclusivity, and the restoration of trust between the government and its frontline workforce.