Government declares planned public service strike illegal, urges continued dialogue
Uganda national teachers union opens 19th annual delegates conference in kabale (2024). Photo Courtesy
The Ugandan government has dismissed the planned industrial action by public service workers as “illegal and premature,” urging labour unions and civil servants to remain committed to serving the nation while salary negotiations continue.
Minister of Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa, reaffirmed government’s position that salaries for public officers would be enhanced under a phased, long-term plan approved by Cabinet. “The current strike notice does not meet legal requirements, and any industrial action under these circumstances is illegal and premature,” Mukasa stated.
The government’s response comes after the Uganda Local Government Workers Union (ULGWU) announced plans to down tools beginning October 1, 2025, citing failure by the state to address salary disparities within the public service despite repeated demands
In its September 30th press release titled “Enough is Enough,” the union accused the government of ignoring a September 18th strike notice and failing to honor the 2018 collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which had promised harmonization of salaries across the civil service.
According to the union, although government allocated UGX 8.55 trillion as the wage bill for FY 2025/2026—an increase from the previous year—local government workers received just UGX 380.6 billion (10.7%) of that allocation. The union argues that this has left its members exposed to “loss of purchasing power” amid rising living costs.
They further highlighted stark disparities in pay between local government employees and other public servants such as medical scientists, police officers, and aviation staff. For example, a Senior Officer (U3) in local government earns between UGX 902,612 – 990,589, while their counterparts in civil aviation earn up to UGX 8.17 million.
Union leaders insist the strike is lawful, citing constitutional provisions that guarantee workers’ rights to join unions, collectively bargain, and withdraw labour. General Secretary Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba warned that any attempt by government authorities to intimidate or interfere with striking workers would face legal challenge.
Despite these claims, the Ministry of Public Service maintains that negotiations for FY 2026/27 salary enhancements are ongoing and has appealed for patience. “We appeal to all labour union leaders and public officers to remain committed to serving the country as consultations on salary enhancements continue,” Mukasa said.
The looming standoff leaves public service delivery at risk, as Ugandans brace for possible disruptions in local government offices should workers proceed with their strike action.
