By Dean Lubowa Saava
The Ministry of Gender has submitted a request for an additional Shs12.24 billion to support the salaries of 17 traditional and cultural leaders who have been gazetted by the government. This proposal aims to maintain the current monthly salary of Shs60 million for each of these leaders, ensuring their compensation remains consistent
The Ministry of Gender’s request for an additional Shs12.24 billion is aimed at maintaining the current monthly salary of Shs60 million for 17 traditional and cultural leaders. This move follows concerns over a proposed drastic salary reduction to Shs5 million per month under the Shs1.02 billion allocation in the 2025/26 budget.
Workers MP Agnes Kunihira presented the case to the Budget Committee, highlighting that reducing the leaders’ pay could strain relationships between the government and cultural institutions. This concern is valid, considering the significance of these leaders in preserving cultural heritage and fostering community development.
It’s worth noting that Parliament had previously approved Shs31.33 billion for salaries and Shs17.2 billion for constructing palaces for the Iteso, Tieng Adhola, Buruli, and Rwenzururu kingdoms in the 2024/25 budget. The Ministry’s current request aims to sustain the existing salary structure for these traditional leaders.
The Ministry of Gender’s request for an additional Shs12.24 billion to maintain the salaries of 17 traditional and cultural leaders has sparked concerns among Members of Parliament. They echoed Workers MP Agnes Kunihira’s worries that the proposed salary cuts could lead to dissatisfaction among cultural leaders and their kingdoms.
In April 2024, Parliament had approved a significant allocation of Shs31.33 billion for salaries and Shs17.2 billion for constructing palaces for specific kingdoms, including the Iteso, Tieng Adhola, Buruli, and Rwenzururu kingdoms. This move was seen as a commitment to supporting cultural institutions and preserving Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
However, the proposed salary reduction from Shs60 million to Shs5 million per month has raised concerns about the government’s ability to honor its commitments to cultural leaders. The Ministry of Gender’s appeal for additional funding aims to prevent this drastic reduction and ensure that cultural leaders continue to receive their full salaries.
The Ministry of Gender is seeking an additional Shs12.24 billion to maintain the current salaries of 17 traditional and cultural leaders, citing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and fostering community development.
This move comes after the Traditional Leaders Forum called on the government to honor its commitments, with Kwar Adhola, the Tororo cultural leader, highlighting the promised Shs60 million for kingdoms and Shs15 million for personal assistants.
The proposed salary reduction to Shs5 million per month had raised concerns among Members of Parliament, who warned that it could lead to dissatisfaction among cultural leaders and their kingdoms. The Budget Committee is now deliberating the ministry’s request as the government balances priorities in the 2025/26 financial plan.
It’s worth noting that the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has a mandate to promote cultural values and community development. The department of Community Development, established in 2007, works to enhance productivity and incomes of rural communities, and promotes participation of communities in community development and literacy initiatives.
