Local Government Workers Express Concerns Over "Discrimination" and "Rights Violations

Local government workers, represented by the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU), have raised concerns about the government's consistent disregard for constitutional provisions and legal frameworks regarding workers' rights. The workers claim that this negligence has fostered mistrust and inefficiency within the local government workforce.

In a press statement, ULGWU Secretary General Hassan Lwabayi highlighted that despite clear stipulations in the Constitution and the Public Service Consultative, Negotiating, and Dispute Settlement Machinery Act, the government has continued to sideline the union in critical decisions affecting its members.

He adds that Article 40(3)(b) of the Constitution guarantees every worker the right to collective bargaining and representation. This is reinforced by Section 10(1) of the Public Service Act, which mandates both the government and the union to comply with established procedures for negotiations and dispute resolution. 

However, these provisions have been blatantly ignored. "The government has allegedly rendered key structures under the Act redundant, leading to arbitrary decision-making that undermines harmonious labor relations,” he stated.  

According to ULGWU, the key issues of concern include; Exclusion from Job Description and Qualification Policy, for example finalizing and approving job descriptions and person specifications for local government employees without involving the union, particularly the new policy requiring all heads of departments to hold master’s degrees, with no clarity on the fate of those who were appointed under previous requirements.  

“This approach targets individuals instead of addressing systemic issues like salary disparities,” reads part of the statement, highlighting that a certificate holder in the science category earns over UGX 1.4 million, while a degree holder in administrative roles earns less than UGX 650,000.  To them such discrepancies have eroded performance and morale in public service.  

Their other area of concern is the allowance policies, which they termed outdated and discriminatory. “While central government workers are paid higher night and meal allowances under the 2018 Public Service Circular, local government workers must adhere to the outdated 2008 Circular. For instance, drivers in the central government earn UGX 120,000 per night, compared to UGX 55,000 for their local government counterpart,” the statement said. 

“This discrepancy forces local government workers to seek accommodation in unsafe areas, risking their lives,” it added, emphasizing the need for urgent revision of these allowances to reflect the rising cost of living.  They also pointed out the disparities in salaries among accounting officers across different sectors, calling it unconstitutional and illegal. 

“While local government Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) earn UGX 2,369,300, their counterparts in medical services, aviation, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution earn between UGX 15 million and UGX 22.5 million. These officers perform similar managerial functions, yet they are treated unequally. This is a clear violation of the principle of equal pay for equal work,” Lwabayi asserted.    

ULGWU demands immediate inclusion of Workers' Views in the approved job descriptions and person specifications for local government positions. Revise allowances for all drivers, bodyguards, and support staff, to receive allowances in line with the 2018 Circular, amounting to UGX 120,000 per night. The union also calls for a comprehensive revision of rates for the 2025/2026 fiscal year to align with the current economic realities. 

The union also demands immediate harmonization and enhancement of salaries across various grades. “For example, CAOs and town clerks should earn UGX 15,340,000, with corresponding adjustments for lower scales.”  

"These demands should be integrated into the National Development Plan 4 (NDP4) for effective implementation. The union has scheduled a review meeting in one month to assess the government’s response. We will communicate the outcomes to the public and determine the next course of action," said Lwabayi. 

According to the Unionists, if these issues are left unaddressed, will continue to erode trust and efficiency within the local government workforce. “The union is urging the government to honor its constitutional and legal obligations to foster equitable and harmonious labor relations.”   As the public awaits the government’s response, the union’s ultimatum serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusive and fair labor practices in driving national development.