By Mike Rwothomio

Residents of Zombo District are expressing frustration over disruptions in essential services as local government workers, represented by the Uganda Local Government Workers Union, launched an indefinite sit-down strike starting October 1, 2025.

The strike, announced by Union Secretary General Hassan Mudiba, aims to pressure the government to address salary disparities within the public sector.

According to Mudiba, Despite an increase in the wage bill from UGX 7.8 trillion in FY 2024/25 to UGX 8.6 trillion in FY 2025/26, workers funded under unconditional grant wages have not received salary increments, leading to accusations of selective pay disparities.

Jemima Ayerango, a resident of Dwonga Ward, Paidha Town Council, reported challenges in accessing services, stating, “I needed to follow up on community programs, but the relevant offices are closed. We’re left stranded.”

Similarly, Collins Okethi from Oyeyu Parish noted that the strike has halted critical programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, adding, “We were close to receiving PDM funds, but operations are at a standstill.”

Francis Bolingo, the district councilor for Athuma Sub-county, confirmed the widespread disruption of services, emphasizing that normal operations have been severely affected.

He urged the government to address the low salaries of local government workers, linking inadequate pay to systemic issues. “I’ve seen it myself, staff are on strike and unhappy with their wages,” Bolingo stated in an interview on October 2, 2025.

He highlighted the pay gap, noting, “How can a Chief Administrative Officer earn UGX 14 million while a parish chief, managing significant funds, earns only UGX 400,000? Low pay fuels corruption, and the government must address this disparity.”

Observations at lower local government units revealed deserted offices, with only a few staff present, many of whom confirmed the ongoing industrial action but spoke anonymously. 

Some cited Article 40(3) of the Ugandan Constitution, which protects their rights to collective bargaining and withdrawal of labor.

A senior district official, speaking anonymously, affirmed their commitment to the strike, stating, “We’ve joined our colleagues nationwide in this lawful action, following legal procedures. The challenges of implementing government programs with inadequate pay are overwhelming.”

Another worker from Paidha Town Council, also speaking anonymously, said, “We started the strike yesterday and will continue. No one can force us to stop because we’re facing significant hardships.”

The local government workers’ strike coincides with a week-long teachers’ strike, which has disrupted education nationwide as teachers also demand salary increases. 

Zombo District LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu, when contacted on Thursday morning, October 2, 2025, stated, “I have not received official communication regarding the industrial action.

The ongoing strikes underscore broader challenges in public service delivery and highlight the urgent need for equitable wage reforms to ensure effective implementation of community programs and services.

Public service speaks out 

In a statement issued Thursday morning on the official X handle of the Ministry of Public Service, the Minister of Public Service, Wilson Muruli Mukasa, said the strikes undermine ongoing negotiations on salary enhancements and violate procedures under the Public Service Negotiating and Consultative Council.

He noted that since FY2018/19, the Government has committed UGX 2.5 trillion towards salary enhancement, prioritizing key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, security, industrialization, and innovation, adding that teachers have been part of this priority group, and the Government has consistently engaged Labour Unions with cordiality while fulfilling its commitments despite macroeconomic challenges.

"It is therefore regrettable that some teachers commenced industrial action on 15th September 2025, and Local Government Workers are planning to follow on 1st October 2025, yet discussions and negotiations are still ongoing," Mukasa's statement reads in part.

According to the Ministry of Public Service, as of July 2024, 125,276 public officers had benefited from salary enhancements since FY2017/18. Notably, 60,077 officers currently receive 77% of the approved long-term pay targets.

The Ministry notes that for FY2026/27, H.E. the President has reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all public officers, including enhancing the salary of humanities teachers by 25% of the approved targets.

"The Ministry of Public Service has already submitted financial requirements for humanities teachers, primary teachers, public universities, and other officers earning below 25% of the 77% pay target, to @mofpedU for budget consideration," Mukasa said.

He warned that "No Labour Union has obtained the legally required certificate from the Public Service Negotiating & Consultative Council to justify industrial action. Therefore, the current strike notice does not meet legal requirements, and any industrial action under these circumstances is illegal and premature."

Zombo District headquarters

He appealed to all Labour Union leaders and public officers to remain committed to serving the country as consultations on FY2026/27 salary enhancements continue.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations