The Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union (ULGWU) has elected a new leadership team that will oversee the union for the next five years, promising to step up efforts for better salaries, improved workers’ welfare, job security and stronger representation of local government employees.

The new leaders were elected on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during the union’s Quinquennial Delegates Conference held at Teachers House Conference Hall on Bombo Road in Kampala. The conference provided an opportunity for delegates to assess the union’s performance, review its annual and financial reports and approve the budget for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Gidudu Emmanuel Amiiri from Mbale City was elected Chairperson, while Asaba Gerald of Kyenjojo District Local Government was chosen as Vice Chairperson. Hassan Mudiba Lwabayyi became General Secretary, with Mukani Miria elected Treasurer. Namugaya Ruth will serve as Chairperson of Women, while Wambuzi Julius will lead Young Workers.
Nnsubi Richard, Wangolo Francis and Wikula Winfred were also elected to the committee. Waiswa Arafat and Mukoda Angella became staff representatives, while Nagawa Josephine and Mwenyi Noah were elected regional representatives. Sarah Besigye Were was chosen to serve on the Board of Trustees.
The new administration is taking over with salary enhancement high on its list of priorities. ULGWU said it will continue discussions with Government to ensure workers who have not benefited from recent salary increases are also considered, particularly those serving in the lower salary scales.

The union said its advocacy will now focus on employees from U3 downwards, including Senior Assistant Secretaries, Senior Community Development Officers, Senior Accountants, graduate-entry workers, Parish Chiefs and other employees in U6, U7 and U8. ULGWU also appealed for local government workers to be considered for PAYE exemption, arguing that their incomes are already affected by the many indirect taxes they pay.

Beyond salaries, delegates agreed to strengthen the union’s efforts against corruption while promoting accountability, good governance, respect for workers and better public service delivery. They also endorsed a five-year strategic plan for 2026–2030, which prioritises membership growth, decent work, gender equity, workers’ platforms and the protection of employees’ rights and welfare.

ULGWU also listed political interference, inadequate funding, leadership disputes, casualisation and outsourcing among the major challenges affecting local government workers. The union raised concerns about digitalisation and possible job displacement, as well as climate-related shocks that could disrupt employment and public services. The election was presided over by Apollo Onzoma, Assistant Commissioner of Labour, Productivity and Industrial Relations, representing Registrar of Labour Unions Alex Asiimwe. The new leaders pledged to work together and engage Government constructively as they begin their five-year mandate under the motto, “Power belongs to the Workers, the struggle continues.”