The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development is seeking up to shs12.24 billion to pay salaries to recognised traditional and cultural leaders.
There are 17 gazetted traditional and cultural leaders in Uganda with each leader set to earn shs60 million per month.
According to the Ministry of Gender, the allocation of shs1.02 billion in next year’s budget will result in each leader earning shs5 million per month. It argues that this will be less than what they are currently earning.
Agnes Kunihira, a workers’ MP, made the request while presenting the Ministry of Gender’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper to the Budget Committee of Parliament.
The committee protested the reduction, stating that it will pit them against their kingdoms.
In April 2024, Parliament approved the Ministry of Gender’s request for shs31.330 billion to pay shs60 million in monthly salaries to 17 gazetted traditional leaders.
It also approved an additional shs17.2 billion for the construction of palaces for the lteso, Tieng Adhola, Buruli, and Rwenzururu Kingdoms, as directed by the president.
“The cabinet directed in 2022 that shs60 million be paid monthly to each of the 17 gazetted traditional cultural leaders,” Kunihira said.
“This was effected in 2024/25, this money is being paid. However, in the coming fiscal year, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) has not provided the same amount,” she informed the committee.
Kunihira also stated that they (Gender) have returned to the previous amount of shs5 million paid to each cultural leader as emoluments, which amounts to shs1.02 billion.
“So, we are requesting that the money be reinstated…this has left a gap of shs11.4 billion,” she added.
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