Local government leaders are set to receive a 100% pay increase starting from the next financial year, according to the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Rapheal Magyezi.
During a session with the House Committee on Public Service and Local Government, chaired by Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi on March 26, 2024, Magyezi emphasized the importance of improving the compensation of local political leaders. The committee is currently scrutinizing the ministry’s Policy statement for the upcoming financial year 2024/2025.
Minister Magyezi stated, “This policy statement places a high priority on various areas, including raising the remuneration of political leaders. Given the current cost of living, it is essential that their pay is increased,” highlighting the inadequacy of councilors’ salaries in line with the current economic conditions.
Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, confirmed that a Cabinet Paper will be presented to propose a 100% raise for all local political leaders due to significant disparities in public servants’ salaries as revealed in audits.
Currently, Parish and village chairpersons receive Shs10,000 monthly, sub-county chairpersons receive Shs400,000, and sub-county councilors receive Shs35,000.
Municipal, City, and District Councilors earn Shs250,000 per month, taxable. Speakers and Deputy Speakers receive between Shs300,000 and Shs600,000 at various levels, while members of the City and District Executive Committee are paid Shs600,000 monthly. City and District Chairpersons earn Shs2 million.
Chairperson Hon. Mapenduzi praised the Ministry’s decision to raise the salaries of local government political leaders but suggested reallocating funds meant for councilor induction to bolster the Parish Development Model due to the upcoming election period.
As per the Ministerial Policy Statement, the Ministry of Local Government is allocated a budget estimate of Shs202.15 billion for the next financial year, a rise of Shs36.7 billion from the current year’s Shs166.8 billion.
Key focus areas for the Ministry in the next financial year include revising the Decentralization Policy Framework, amending the Local Government Act, Cap. 243, and implementing the Parish Development Model.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.