Local government leaders are set to receive a 100 percent salary increase starting from the next financial year, as announced by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Rapheal Magyezi. Magyezi emphasized the importance of boosting the remuneration of local political leaders during his appearance before the House Committee on Public Service and Local Government, chaired by Hon. Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The committee is currently reviewing the ministry’s Policy statement for the upcoming financial year 2024/2025.
Magyezi highlighted the significance of various areas prioritized in the policy statement, including the increment of political leaders’ remuneration, considering the prevailing living costs. He expressed concern over the low pay for councilors, stating that it does not align with the current economic situation.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ben Kumumanya, mentioned that they will present a Cabinet Paper proposing a 100 percent increase for all local political leaders due to observed disparities in public servants’ pay. Currently, chairpersons at Parish and village levels receive a monthly remuneration of Shs10,000, while sub-county chairpersons receive Shs400,000 and Shs35,000 for sub-county councilors.
Municipal, City, and District Councilors are paid 250,000 Shillings per month, subject to tax. Speakers and Deputy Speakers across various levels receive between 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.
Hon. Mapenduzi commended the Ministry’s decision to enhance the remuneration of local government political leaders but advised reallocating funds meant for inducting councilors to retooling the Parish Development Model, considering the upcoming 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, representing an increase of Shs36.7 billion from the current financial year. Key priority areas for the ministry in the upcoming financial year include reviewing the Decentralization Policy Framework, amending the Local Government Act, Cap.243, and implementing the Parish Development Model.
