Side business will eliminate your appetite for bribes, govt workers told

Government workers have been urged to embrace alternative income-generating projects rather than solely rely on their salaries.

Public service minister Muruli Mukasa says simply relying on government jobs has caused some officials to engage in bribe solicitation from job seekers. 

According to him, unqualified individuals end up being employed.

“Many of the human resource managers rely solely on their jobs, which cannot sustain them anymore. You should consider having businesses to supplement your income and reduce financial pressure. This will reduce temptation to solicit bribes and carry out your work as a professional,” Mukasa said.

He was addressing the fourth Annual Conference of the Uganda Public Service Human Resources Managers Network at Wash and Wills Hotel in Mbale City on June 16, 2025.

The workshop aimed to improve participants' skills in handling work and to deliver the current new public services rather than the colonial methods of work.

The three-day event brought together human resource managers from across the country to share experiences to build professionalism.

"The Government plans to ensure that every public servant earns at least the minimum wage of shillings 1.2 million," he said.

Currently, Uganda has no minimum wage law as that which had been drafted by Parliament was rejected by President Yoweri Museveni and returned for review. 

Mukasa said the issue of the ongoing strike by arts teachers over low pay would be reviewed, and they will too get salary increments like the science teachers who were enhanced.

The striking teachers demand a salary raise from shillings 960,288 to shillings four million for degree holders, and from shillings 745,000 to 2.4 million for diploma holders, citing pay inequity with science teachers.

He alluded that in today’s world, digitalisation has taken the upper hand in doing things, so people should adopt it in their work.

Ministry permanent secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire urged attendees to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in their work. "We should build a strong image as we carry out our work."

Human Resource Managers Network president Herbert Kiguli urged the Government to respond to the issues highlighted by the participants and promised to make a follow-up with the relevant authorities.

In relation to the advancements in technology and the rise of usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr Mary Wenene, representing head of public service Lucy Nakyobe, encouraged public servants to embrace AI tools to boost productivity and service delivery.

However, the participants raised concerns about delays in processing pensions, which are meant to support public servants after retirement, which he promised to handle.

However, Robert Matukhu, the secretary of the infrastructural civil works and woodworkers unions, said people should start off making side projects as soon as they get their first pay. Matukhu said as much as salary may be increased, it will not benefit you'.

“If you start up your own business, it may lead you to retire in time; this business of keeping at work until you really have nothing you can do for yourself after retirement should be discarded," he said.