The Uganda Police Force has requested an additional Shs58.4 billion from Parliament to cater for salaries of 10,000 newly recruited officers trained ahead of the January 2026 general elections.
The request was presented to Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee by Aggrey Wunyi, the Police Undersecretary, who said the current budget can only cover a fraction of the recruits.
According to Wunyi, up to 8,140 officers risk going without pay in the 2026/2027 financial year if the supplementary funding is not approved.
The development has drawn concern from lawmakers, with Theodore Ssekikubo criticising the government for failing to plan adequately for the recruits’ wages.
“Salaries are a basic entitlement that must be paid,” Ssekikubo said, warning that underfunding essential items such as water and electricity could further disrupt police operations.
He also faulted government for what he described as an uneven salary enhancement structure within the security sector, arguing that top-ranking officers have benefited more than junior personnel despite already enjoying better living conditions.
Abdallah Kiwanuka echoed the concerns, urging urgent intervention to ensure the recruits are paid before deployment.
“You cannot deploy armed officers without pay. It poses serious risks,” Kiwanuka warned.
The committee also heard that the Police had requested Shs21.159 billion to support security operations during the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027, but no funds have been allocated so far.
Some legislators questioned whether the request could duplicate roles already assigned to the Ministry of Education and Sports, which is overseeing preparations for the tournament.
However, Ssekikubo defended the need for police funding, noting that the tournament presents Uganda with a rare opportunity to host a major continental event.
“The Police need resources such as fuel to transport officers and secure venues, teams, and fans,” he said.
Despite backing the need for Afcon-related security funding, Kiwanuka said Parliament would rely on findings from ongoing investigations to determine whether similar funds already exist within the ministry’s budget.
Wunyi also appealed for additional funding to clear domestic arrears, revealing that only Shs3.3 billion has been allocated in the upcoming financial year against total outstanding arrears of Shs86 billion.
The funding gaps highlight growing pressure on the Police budget as government balances recruitment, operational demands, and major international commitments.