Senior police officers in Uganda have received a pay rise as part of the government’s ongoing plan to align public sector salaries. The changes aim to provide equal pay for officers holding the same ranks across different departments.
The adjustment affects three ranks in the Uganda Police Force—Commissioners, Senior Commissioners, and Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (AIGPs). Many of these officers serve as deputy directors or lead directorates.
The Uganda Prisons Service has made similar changes for officers at the same level.
This follows last year’s changes where top officials in the police and prisons, such as the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner General of Prisons had their monthly pay increased from Shs6.8 million to Shs15.4 million.
Lower-ranking police officers also received pay rises last year. Special Police Constables had their salary raised from Shs375,200 to Shs440,000. Junior officers received increases between Shs64,000 and Shs79,000.
President Yoweri Museveni has in the past said that salary changes would be made gradually. In 2019, he noted that key areas like roads, power, health, tourism, and science needed funding first.
He said, “The government must first address the most critical sectors before we can talk about pay rises. But the increases will come in phases, starting with the most essential categories.”
The latest pay changes are part of efforts to reduce salary gaps within security forces and respond to calls from senior officers for better pay. The government plans to continue with these changes in other parts of public service.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Please feel free to share your opinions in the comment box and visit the following link for more information.
