District councilors to petition ministry of local government over low salary
District councilors from greater Bushenyi sub-region (comprising of Bushenyi, Mitooma, Sheema, Rubirizi, and Buhweju districts) have resolved to petition the ministry of local government to increase their emoluments and allowances.
During a press conference held at Peak hotel in Bushenyi town, the chairperson of greater Bushenyi councilor’s association Adinan Tumuhairwe noted that they currently earn UGX 170,000, which he says is inadequate and unsustainable compared to the high cost of living in the country and expectations of the electorate.
“We want that money to be enhanced to at least Shs1.5 million. A good increment on our money will help us keep our integrity uncompromised, especially when monitoring programmes,” said Tumuhairwe.
Dickens Muhwezi, the LC V councilor representing Nyakizinga Sub-County in Mitooma district noted that they still have a challenge of the local government act that limits them from discussing matters concerning their respective communities.
According to the Local Government Act expenditure of the local government council in a financial year on emoluments and allowances of the chairperson and councilors shall not exceed 20% of the total local revenue collected in the previous financial year.
Judith Bakyara Nkuba, the lady councilor representing the elderly in Mitooma district said that the council resolved to write to the minister of local government seeking authority to spend above and over 20 percent of the local revenue to facilitate the council operations.
