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Local govt chiefs underpaid and overburdened, says ex-minister Magyezi
"There is a need to raise pay for local government leaders. At the moment, district chairpersons earn only sh1.7m, while LCIII chairpersons receive sh350,000. This is too little and can compel some leaders into corruption," Magyezi said.
Magyezi said the current pay structure for local leaders is inadequate and requires urgent review if government is to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery. (Credit: Eddie Ssejjoba)
By: Ivan Tsebeni, Journalist @New Vision
KAMPALA - Fresh calls to increase salaries and improve the welfare of local government leaders have resurfaced, with concerns that poor remuneration is exposing officials to corruption risks and weakening service delivery at the grassroots.
The appeal was made by former local government minister Raphael Magyezi during a handover ceremony at Workers' House in Kampala on June 12, 2026, where he officially transferred leadership of the ministry to his successor, Balaam Barugahara.
Magyezi said the current pay structure for local leaders is inadequate and requires urgent review if government is to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery.
"There is a need to raise pay for local government leaders. At the moment, district chairpersons earn only sh1.7m, while LCIII chairpersons receive sh350,000. This is too little and can compel some leaders into corruption," Magyezi said.
Magyezi, who served as Minister of Local Government since 2019, thanked President Museveni for the opportunity to serve in Cabinet. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)
The ceremony also marked the formal assumption of office by Balaam Barugahara as Minister of Local Government.
He noted that local leaders carry heavy responsibilities in implementing government programmes, mobilising communities and responding to public needs, yet operate under difficult financial conditions.
"We expect these leaders to supervise government programmes effectively, but we must also appreciate the challenges they face. Better facilitation can help improve performance and reduce vulnerability to unethical practices," he added.
Magyezi, who served as Minister of Local Government since 2019, thanked President Museveni for the opportunity to serve in Cabinet.
"It has been an honour to serve the country in this capacity. I thank the President for the trust he placed in me throughout my tenure," he said.
He urged the incoming leadership to embrace the demands of overseeing local governments across the country.
"There is a big task ahead. I encourage the new team to work harder because the expectations from Ugandans remain high," he said.
The ceremony also marked the formal assumption of office by Balaam Barugahara as Minister of Local Government.
In his maiden address, Barugahara pledged to prioritise integrity, transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
He warned officials implicated in the mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds that government patience had run out.
"We are giving those who stole PDM money three weeks to return it. Those who fail to do so should expect to face the law," Barugahara said.
He announced plans to launch nationwide barazas aimed at strengthening accountability and giving citizens a platform to report corruption.
"The barazas will begin early next month. We shall move around the country and ensure that those who have betrayed public trust are exposed and held accountable," he said.
Barugahara said he would pursue all individuals implicated in corruption, arguing that poor service delivery has been worsened by misuse of public funds.
"Our people have had their share of suffering. This ministry must usher in a new dawn where services reach the people as intended," he said.
He urged ministry staff to uphold professionalism and ethical conduct.
"Transparency, integrity and time management should guide our work. It is only through these values that government services can effectively reach the wananchi," he noted.
Barugahara pledged to lead a scandal-free ministry, saying eliminating corruption would improve service delivery and public confidence.
"If we eliminate scandals from our operations, service delivery will improve. That is the standard we should all strive for," he said.
He thanked President Museveni for his appointment and pledged to serve diligently.
"I am grateful to His Excellency the President for the confidence he has shown in me. I will work tirelessly to fulfil this responsibility," he said.
Barugahara also commended Magyezi for his service and commitment during his tenure.
"You have served this ministry and the country diligently. We appreciate your contribution and wish you well in your future endeavours," he said.
Local government state minister Justine Nameere pledged to work closely with her senior minister to restore confidence in local governments.
"People may think we shall fight each other, but Balaam and I have worked together before. Our focus is service to Uganda and ensuring local governments function effectively," Nameere said.
She said her appointment comes at a critical time in the fight against corruption.
"I believe the President was deliberate in assigning me this role. We shall work to restore sanity and strengthen accountability within local governments," she said.
Permanent secretary Ben Kumumanya welcomed the new leadership and assured them of technical support.
"We are committed to working closely with the new leadership to achieve the ministry's objectives. I also thank the outgoing ministers for the good work they have done," Kumumanya said.
The new leadership assumes office amid key priorities including preparations for Local Council elections, induction of newly elected leaders, implementation of anti-corruption measures and renewed calls for improved remuneration of local government officials.
The ministers are expected to join other Cabinet members in Kyankwanzi on Monday, June 15, 2026, for an induction programme.
As debate continues over accountability and service delivery, renewed calls for better pay have again placed the welfare of local government leaders at the centre of national policy discussions.