In a big move that has brought smiles to many senior government officers, President Yoweri Museveni’s government has officially increased salaries for top officials such as Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), City and Municipal Town Clerks, Commissioners, and Undersecretaries. According to documents obtained online, these salary increases took effect on July 1, 2025, and will be paid using a budget of Shs57 billion earmarked for the financial year.
This major salary boost comes after months of meetings and discussions between government officials and President Museveni. The final meeting that sealed the deal took place in April 2025 at State House Entebbe, where over 200 CAOs, town clerks, and undersecretaries met with the president to voice their challenges. One of the key voices was Gabriel Atama, the CAO of Tororo District, who explained that many officers work far from their families and face high costs for transport and living, yet their pay hadn’t matched the pressures of the job.
“We serve the nation with commitment, but the cost of living is high, and the salaries were not enough. We are happy the president listened to our concerns,” Atama said on behalf of his fellow officers.
Public Service Ministry Permanent Secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire confirmed that this is part of the government’s plan to raise salaries for public servants in a phased manner. This means more civil servants may also see salary increases in future as the government continues its promise to improve public service pay.
Interestingly, this salary news comes at a time when Museveni’s government is celebrating another major victory the European Union Parliament’s attempt to block Uganda’s oil projects has failed. The resolution, which threatened to slow down Uganda’s oil production efforts, has now been effectively pushed aside. This is being seen as a big win for Museveni’s government and its plans to grow the economy using oil revenues.
Besides the CAOs and commissioners, The Pearl Times also reports that arts teachers have reached an agreement with Museveni for better pay. In addition, other reports reveal the salaries of top State House employees, Museveni’s advisors, cooks, and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs). These figures show that some State House workers earn between Shs10m and Shs30m per month.
Overall, the salary increase for public officers is being viewed as a strategic move by the Museveni government one that strengthens morale within public service while also sending a strong signal that the administration is serious about retaining and rewarding key staff. It also comes at a time when the president appears to be tightening his grip both politically and economically, especially with oil development projects moving forward despite international opposition.
This news is sure to raise eyebrows, but for the hundreds of government officers affected, it is a moment of relief and renewed hope.
