Civil servants in Kitagwenda District have opted out of the ongoing nationwide strike by local government workers, choosing to remain at their duty stations despite pressure to join calls for salary increments.

The Uganda Local Government Workers' Union, led by General Secretary Hassan Lwabayi Mudiba, last week declared industrial action over government's alleged failure to implement promised pay rises.

But Kitagwenda officials say abandoning work now would cripple vital services.

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Kitagwenda Chief Administrative Officer Moses R.K. Dalili described the strike as unfair, arguing that government has already shown willingness to improve workers' welfare.

"It's really unfair for us to join the industrial action when the government has already committed to enhance our salaries," Dalili said.

He stressed that downing tools would hurt communities that depend on civil servants.

"Whereas we demand for an increment, there should be diplomatic approaches that do not disrupt service delivery. Withdrawing tools now would be a disservice to the public," he noted.

Dalili also dismissed claims that no adjustments had been made, pointing to science, natural resources, and production departments where salaries have already been raised.

He further cited government's long-term commitments under the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), which he said would gradually address salary concerns.

"Government has already made commitments under NDP IV to meet pre-set targets in the next five years," he said.

"It calls for patience as measures for economic growth are implemented. Once revenues improve, all will be achieved."

While several districts have been hit by service disruptions as workers stay away, Kitagwenda has become a rare exception where employees continue reporting to office.