The Uganda Local Government Workers Union has raised serious concerns over the safety and treatment of local government employees during anti-corruption and accountability operations across the country, warning that some reported actions could place workers at risk. The union says it supports the Government’s efforts to fight corruption but insists that public servants must be treated according to the law throughout the process.In a statutory notice dated September 28, 2026, and addressed to the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, the union questioned the manner in which some accountability activities are reportedly being conducted.
It particularly pointed to community barazas and other public engagements where local government officials are allegedly being subjected to actions such as interdiction, arrest and public humiliation.The union argued that disciplinary and administrative measures against public officers should be taken by competent authorities through established procedures rather than being influenced by public gatherings. It referred to Article 42 of the Constitution on fair treatment before administrative bodies and Article 173, which provides protection to public officers against victimisation and punishment without just cause.
The Uganda Local Government Workers Union said it has received reports from a number of local governments concerning actions against employees. The areas mentioned include Iganga District, where about 39 officers are reportedly facing interdiction, Sironko District, where about 17 officers are reportedly affected, as well as Iganga Municipal Council, Mbale City, Kapchorwa, Gomba, Sembabule and Budaka.Among the incidents highlighted is a report from Kapchorwa involving the alleged public handcuffing of a Chief Administrative Officer. The union also wants clarification over events in Gomba involving Water Officer Mr Wamala, the retrieval and audit of government records and the reported deployment of armed security personnel.
It emphasised that these are reported incidents requiring investigation and should not automatically be treated as proof of wrongdoing by the officers involved.The union said the reported treatment of workers could have consequences beyond individual investigations because many local government employees live within the communities they serve. It warned that public accusations, confrontations or arrests could expose workers to hostility, intimidation and stigma after returning to their communities, potentially creating additional challenges for their safety and ability to perform their duties.Citing Sections 36 and 37 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2006, the union said workers should be able to report situations they reasonably believe pose an imminent or serious danger to their lives or health.
It called for relevant occupational safety authorities to assess such complaints and determine appropriate measures, while stressing that the law should not be interpreted as giving workers an unrestricted right to abandon their responsibilities.The Uganda Local Government Workers Union has called for an urgent engagement with the Head of Public Service to establish clear rules for accountability operations involving public servants. General Secretary Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba said the union remains committed to dialogue and supporting efforts to combat corruption, but warned that continued unsafe conditions could lead the union to support affected workers in exercising their lawful rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and other applicable laws.
