Raphael Magyezi, Minister for Local Government says that there will 100 per cent pay increment for Local Government leaders starting this financial year.
The minister said this while appearing before the House Committee on Public Service and Local Government which was headed by Martin Mapenduzi.
The committee is said to be considering what the ministry’s Policy statement for the coming financial year 2024/2025.
“This policy statement prioritizes many areas including the increment of political leaders’ remuneration. Considering the current living costs, it is prudent that they are enhanced,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ben Kumumanya, announced plans to submit a Cabinet Paper proposing a 100 per cent increase in the remuneration of all local political leaders. This decision stems from audits revealing significant disparities in the salaries of public servants.
Presently, chairpersons at the Parish and village levels receive a monthly remuneration of Shs10,000, while sub-county chairpersons receive Shs400,000 and sub-county councillors receive Shs35,000.
Municipal, City, and District Councilors receive a monthly payment of 250,000 Shillings, which is subject to taxation. Speakers and Deputy Speakers across various levels receive remuneration ranging from Shs300,000 to Shs600,000, while members of the City and District Executive Committee earn Shs600,000 per month. City and District Chairpersons receive Shs2 million.
Chairperson Mapenduzi praised the Ministry’s decision to enhance the remuneration of local government political leaders. However, he advised reallocating funds designated for inducting councillors towards 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 for the next financial year, marking an increase of Shs36.7 billion from the current financial year’s allocation of Shs166.8 billion.
Some of the Ministry’s priority areas for the next financial year include reviewing the Decentralization Policy Framework, amending the Local Government Act (Cap 243), and implementing the Parish Development Model.
