Salary increment plans for public servants still hang in balance after Information Minister Frank Tumwebaze told media this morning, that cabinet approved the 2018/2019 financial year budget without precise figures of salary increment for the aforementioned group.
While presenting weekly Cabinet decisions at the Uganda media centre this morning, Hon. Tumwebaze revealed that while ministries submitted ministerial statements to parliament for scrutiny last week, the Finance Ministry is finalizing budget cash limits and will ensure that salary increment for public servants is within the budget limits.
Despite the fact that parliament is scrutinizing ministerial budgets, the minister said the Ministry of Finance can amend the budget depending on revenue and expenditure projections.
Tumwebaze further indicated that the issue of wages is being weighed against other government priorities such as development financing. He said government will communicate once final figures in regard to salary increment of public servants are finalized.
Ii is remembers that in November last year, Muluri Mukasa the Public service minister announced that government would start enhancing salaries of public servants but in a phased manner. The minister then said the first phase that will be considered in the 2018/19 financial year would cater for primary school teachers, secondary school science teachers, soldiers from the rank of private to sergeant, police staff from the rank of constable to sergeant, prison staff from rank of warder to sergeant, security officers at junior ranks, judiciary officers, health workers and all scientists in government ministries or departments.
Min. Mukasa added that cabinet had directed the Public Service and Finance ministries to come up with final figures before end of December.
