The Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU) has elected a new team of leaders to run the union for the next five years, promising to intensify the fight for better salaries, improved working conditions, job security and stronger protection of workers’ rights.
The new leaders were chosen on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during the ULGWU Quinquennial Delegates Conference held at Teachers House Conference Hall on Bombo Road in Kampala. The conference, which is held every five years, gave delegates an opportunity to review the union’s work, examine its financial and annual reports and approve the budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.
Gidudu Emmanuel Amiiri of Mbale City emerged as the new Chairperson, while Asaba Gerald from Kyenjojo District Local Government was elected Vice Chairperson. Hassan Mudiba Lwabayyi took the position of General Secretary, with Mukani Miria elected Treasurer. Namugaya Ruth will head the women’s wing, while Wambuzi Julius will lead young workers.
The election also saw Nnsubi Richard, Wangolo Francis and Wikula Winfred join the committee. Waiswa Arafat and Mukoda Angella were elected as staff representatives, while Nagawa Josephine and Mwenyi Noah became regional representatives. Sarah Besigye Were was elected to the Board of Trustees.
One of the biggest priorities for the new administration is salary enhancement. ULGWU said it will continue engaging the Government over workers who have not benefited from recent salary improvements, particularly employees in the lower salary scales.
The union said it will now concentrate its advocacy on workers from U3 downwards, including Senior Assistant Secretaries, Senior Community Development Officers, Senior Accountants, graduate-entry employees, Parish Chiefs and other cadres in U6, U7 and U8. The union also appealed for local government employees to be considered for PAYE exemption, saying workers already carry a heavy tax burden through their daily expenditure.
Besides pay, delegates resolved to strengthen the union’s campaign against corruption and promote accountability, good governance and improved service delivery in local governments. They also approved a five-year strategic plan for 2026–2030, aimed at expanding membership, promoting decent work, advancing gender equality and protecting workers’ welfare and rights.
ULGWU further identified political interference, inadequate funding, leadership disputes, casualisation and outsourcing as major challenges facing local government workers. The union also expressed concern about digitalisation and climate-related disruptions that could affect employment and public services. The elections were presided over by Apollo Onzoma, Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Productivity and Industrial Relations, representing Registrar of Labour Unions Alex Asiimwe. The new leadership pledged to work together and engage Government constructively as it takes forward the union’s motto: “Power belongs to the Workers, the struggle continues.”
