Local Government Workers Push for Pay Rise in 2026/27 Budget

Local government employees have renewed calls for a salary increment in the 2026/27 financial year, urging government to address long-standing disparities in pay.

The Uganda Local Government Workers Union says its members have endured stagnant salaries for years, despite rising living costs and phased salary enhancement commitments made by government in 2018.

In October 2025, civil servants under the union staged an industrial action demanding better pay. The strike was later suspended after the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, met with the workers on October 8. She appealed for calm, warning that the strike could disrupt ongoing presidential campaigns.

According to Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba, the union’s General Secretary, government had agreed to implement salary enhancements in phases due to limited resources. However, he noted that while other sectors have benefited from incremental pay rises, most local government staff have been left out.

He said many employees have earned the same salaries for between six and fifteen years, even as the cost of living continues to climb. Lwabayi cautioned that frustration among workers is growing and could result in renewed industrial action if a clear roadmap for salary enhancement is not presented.

“Workers are not happy; they are suffering and have been patient while working under very hard conditions. If the government does not provide a clear programme for salary enhancement, we fear they may go on strike,” he said.

Akena Lamex Lambert, Workers’ Councillor 5 for Gulu City, supported the call, arguing that current earnings no longer match everyday expenses. He pointed out that sectors such as science teachers have received salary enhancements and said local government employees should not be excluded.

“The cost of living has gone up, and salaries need to reflect that. If other sectors are receiving enhancements, it should apply across the board. Everyone deserves fair compensation,” Lambert said.

The union represents a wide range of local government staff, including Deputy Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks, City Town Clerks, principal officers, entry officers and support staff, all of whom are seeking improved remuneration in the upcoming budget cycle.