Local government leaders are set to receive a 100 percent pay increment starting the next financial year, according to the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Rapheal Magyezi.
During his appearance before the House Committee on Public Service and Local Government chaired by Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Magyezi emphasized the importance of enhancing the remuneration of local political leaders .
The committee, currently reviewing the ministry’s Policy statement for the next financial year 2024/2025, highlighted several areas of priority, including the increase in political leaders’ remuneration, citing the necessity in light of current living costs. Magyezi criticized the low pay for councilors, stating it does not align with the current economic climate.
Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, announced plans to present a Cabinet Paper proposing a 100 percent increase for all local political leaders, citing gross variations in public servants’ pay identified through audits.
Presently, chairpersons at Parish and village levels receive a monthly remuneration of Shs10,000, while sub-county chairpersons receive Shs400,000 and sub-county councilors receive Shs35,000. Municipal, City, and District Councilors are paid Shs250,000 per month, subject to tax. Speakers and Deputy Speakers at various levels range from Shs300,000 to Shs600,000, while members of the City and District Executive Committee receive Shs600,000 per month. City and District Chairpersons earn Shs2 million.
Hon. Mapenduzi, the Committee Chairperson, praised the Ministry’s decision to enhance the remuneration of local government political leaders. However, he advised reallocating the funds meant for inducting councilors to retooling the Parish Development Model, especially with the approaching election period.
According to the Ministerial Policy Statement, the Ministry of Local Government has been allocated a budget estimate of Shs202.15 billion, reflecting an increase of Shs36.7 billion from the current financial year’s budget of Shs166.8 billion.