President Yoweri Museveni boldly voiced his belief.
In certain circumstances, he said, junior civil servants should receive higher salaries than their superiors holding positions such as Managing Directors (MDs) and CEOs within government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
Museveni emphasized that government employees, especially scientists, should receive salary increments without concern that their earnings might surpass those of their senior counterparts.
To drive home his point, the president used himself as an example.
Despite occupying the highest office in the country, President Museveni currently receives a relatively modest salary of Shs. 3.6 million.
During a recent Ugandan Prisons event, the president candidly disclosed that his salary had come a long way since the beginning of his tenure.
He reminisced about earning a mere Shs. 150,000 between 1986 and 1995 while serving as the President and Commander in Chief of Uganda.
Museveni firmly asserted that his authority wasn’t tethered to his salary.
In 1996, he revealed that he was “tricked” by Members of Parliament to increase his salary to Shs. 3.6 million, with the understanding that no government employee would earn more than that.
However, shortly afterwards, government officials proceeded to skyrocket their own salaries without restraint.
The president recounted the officials’ request for him to increase his salary in line with theirs, but he staunchly declined, stating,
“I don’t want your bad luck.” As a result, he continues to receive Shs. 3.6 million per month, from which he allocates 20% to the NRM Secretariat, leaving him with Shs. 2.7 million.
Museveni concluded his statement by reaffirming his position as the President of Uganda, exuding a sense of confidence that underscores his steadfast commitment to his role and responsibilities.
