The State Minister of Finance in Charge of General Duties, Hon. Henry Musasizi, has directed the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) to prioritize payment of Kabale District’s June 2024 salary arrears in the next supplementary budget.
Minister Musasizi issued the directive on Thursday while officially opening the Local Government Budget Consultative Workshop for the Financial Year 2026/27 in Kabale Municipality.
Minister Musasizi acknowledged that the matter had dragged on for too long and required urgent resolution, instructing the Acting Commissioner for Budget, John Muheirwoha, to ensure it is addressed without further delay.
Kabale District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Robert Mugabe, explained that the arrears stemmed from a budget shortfall in the 2023/24 financial year following salary increments for scientists. Although the shortfall was corrected in the following year, the June 2024 payments were never cleared.
District Planner Boaz Kakuru revealed that Kabale faced a wage shortfall of Shs 3.47 billion in FY 2023/24, leaving 2,100 employees unpaid for June 2024, including statutory deductions.
He noted that the district received only Shs 778 million in the current FY 2025/26, which was insufficient to settle the arrears.
Kakuru warned that the delay has triggered unrest among staff, eroded public trust in political leadership, and prompted threats of industrial action from some employees.
Minister Musasizi reassured district leaders and staff that government remains committed to fulfilling its statutory obligation to pay salaries and promised the arrears will be cleared through the supplementary budget.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASIZI…..ON THE ISSUE….ENG//
