The government of Uganda has started the implementation of a new salary structure following the 2023–24 budget that provided for salary enhancements for specific public officers in the country.
According to the circular released by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and National development, the enhancement came into effect on July 1, 2023.
Among the beneficiaries of the development are Aviation staff such as pilots under the Uganda Police Force, Soroti Flying School, the presidential crew, and legal professionals under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“In accordance with the phased approach to salary enhancement and considering the global impact of COVID-19, salary enhancement for Financial Year 2023/2024 has been implemented for the following categories of public officers: Aviation staff (including Soroti Flying School, presidential crew, and pilots under Uganda Police Force), and legal professionals under the ministry of justice and constitutional affairs,” the circular read.
A total of Ugshs 7.2 trillion, representing an increase of Shs 912 billion, has been allocated for the wage bill in the current financial year compared to FY 2022–23.
Aviation staff members are set to receive significant salary enhancements, with some individuals earning as much as Shs10 million per month, and their counterparts at the Justice and Constitutional Ministry will have increments ranging from UgShs5 to 1.8 million after the government waives Pay as You Earn taxes.
The circular indicated that the presidential aviation crew and other aviation staff members, who are among the highest earners in the civil service, will once again benefit from salary enhancements.
The lowest-paid aviation staff will now earn Shs4 million, while the executive director of the presidential crew will receive Shs32 million, up from Shs22.5 million previously. The President’s chief pilot will earn Shs30.2 million in monthly salary, up from Shs21.6 million, while the chief engineer will earn Shs29.3 million.