Public service seeks sh5b to honour Uganda Independence heroes

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The Ministry of Public Service is seeking sh5 billion to honour the heroes who helped Uganda attain independence in 1962. 

This was revealed in the Ministerial Policy Statement (MPS) for the 2026/27 Financial Year, which officials led by Minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa submitted on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

During the engagement, Muruli's group did not name the heroes.

The team were appearing before the House Committee on Local Government and Public Affairs Committee, chaired by Layibi-Bardege MP Martin Ojara Mapenduzi (NRM).

The sh5 billion request is part of a broader sh1.8 trillion funding gap facing the Ministry as the country approaches the next fiscal year.

Also included in this shortfall is sh5.8 billion earmarked for the procurement of cars, furniture, and emoluments for former leaders, whose details remain unspecified for now.

Whereas the aforementioned matters did not form part of the talking points between the two parties, it remains to be seen whether the Government might fail to meet its financial obligations.

Other unfunded areas

Also, it is understood that another sh13 billion is required to cater for pension, gratuity and severance of 2,200 civil servants who were affected by the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX).

The latter was a policy reform the government rolled out two years ago, purposely to curb wastage of public funds and erase duplication of mandates.

During the third session of parliament alone, parliament passed 23 RAPEX-related bills in 87 sittings that were held.

The move saw a number of autonomous agencies, such as Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), Uganda Road Fund (URF) mainstreamed into mother ministries such as the Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT).

According to official documents, sh115.915 billion has so far been released to cater for the pension, gratuity and severance packages of affected staff.

That said, the Ministry also requires sh137 billion to commence construction of the second phase of the Civil Service College in Jinja. The institution is charged with strengthening the Ministry’s mandate, training and induction of public officials.

To cap it all, sh1.5 trillion is required for the commencement of the phased salary enhancement in the 2026/27 Financial Year, and sh45.9 billion for the establishment of the Public Service Pension Fund are uncatered for.

The Public Service Pension funds are required to, among others, set up three service centres in Rukungiri, Arua and Adjumani, which will require renovations, provision of furniture and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) installations.