Government is set to revise the salaries of secretaries in the public service following continued concerns raised by administrative professionals under their umbrella body, the Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals in Uganda (ASAPU).
The announcement was made by Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, who represented President Yoweri Museveni as chief guest during a two-day workshop held in Jinja.
Bitarakwate revealed that the salary enhancement will be implemented in phases, beginning with public servants in the U2 salary scale effective July 1, 2026, under the 2026/27 financial year.
“On the issue of salary enhancement for secretaries and administrators in the U2 grade and above, your salary enhancement starts on July 1, 2026/27. This money has already been budgeted for and communicated by the Ministry of Finance,” Bitarakwate said.
She added that government will subsequently extend the enhancement to officers in the U3 scale and other lower grades.
“We shall gradually move to U3 and the other grades. Within the course of the financial year, you will hear what comes next,” she added.
Earlier, ASAPU President Julius Semaganda appealed to the President to prioritize salary enhancement for secretaries, especially lower cadres earning as little as Shs350,000 despite the rising cost of living.
Speaking during the workshop, Semaganda said administrative professionals remain committed to their work, but stressed that fair pay is necessary for a workforce expected to drive Uganda’s digital transformation agenda.
“We request President Museveni, in this era of ‘No More Sleep,’ to look into the issue of salary enhancement. We appreciate him for improving the welfare of other cadres, and our prayer is that we also become a priority when it comes to enhancing salaries of workers in Uganda,” Semaganda said.
He outlined the current salary structure, noting that a diploma-holding secretary earns about Shs350,000 per month, while degree holders earn approximately Shs560,000.
“When you compare that money with the ever-increasing cost of living, it does not match,” he said. “We humbly request the President and his team not to sleep on this issue, so that we too can continue serving this country diligently.”
On concerns regarding disparities in allowances across government institutions, Bitarakwate acknowledged the issue but explained that such differences largely depend on the budget allocations of individual institutions. She, however, assured members that government is exploring possible solutions.
Addressing concerns about delayed promotions, especially for officers who have served in the same position for over five years, the Permanent Secretary explained that promotions depend on the availability of vacant positions and the related financial implications.
The administrative professionals also appealed to the President to inject Shs8 billion into their SACCO to strengthen investment opportunities and improve their livelihoods.
Bitarakwate urged the secretaries to remain committed to excellence and professionalism, emphasizing that quality service delivery remains a key factor in career advancement.
In his message, President Museveni encouraged the secretaries to take advantage of government poverty alleviation programs such as Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Women’s Fund, and the Youth Livelihood Programme to improve their household incomes and economic wellbeing.
