KABALE — Local Council I (LC1) chairpersons in Kabale District have renewed calls for improved remuneration, demanding that the government increase their allowance from Shs120,000 per year to Shs150,000 per month ahead of the forthcoming village elections.
The appeal comes as the Electoral Commission prepares to conduct LC1 elections on July 28, followed by LC2 elections on August 10.
Jova Ndibwami, the LC1 chairperson of Kigugwe-Kibikuura Cell in Kabale District, said village leaders shoulder significant responsibilities, including resolving disputes, coordinating local security and implementing government programmes, yet receive only Shs120,000 annually—equivalent to about Shs10,000 per month and paid as a lump sum at the end of the financial year.
"We are the first point of contact for residents," Ndibwami said. "But leaders in higher offices receive salaries while we get only Shs120,000 a year."
Evas Hope Asiimwe, the LC1 chairperson of Rugarama Village in Kabale Municipality, said she often spends her own money on transport and airtime to mobilise residents for community meetings and government activities.
"Sometimes people don't come to meetings because we have no money for mobilisation," Asiimwe said. "Shs150,000 monthly would help us serve better."
Kabale Central Division LC3 Chairperson Henry Nasasiira acknowledged the concerns raised by village leaders but said the government has traditionally maintained a modest allowance to preserve the voluntary nature of the office.
However, he agreed that the current facilitation should be reviewed in light of the responsibilities entrusted to LC1 chairpersons.
"They coordinate security, handle disputes and link citizens to government," Nasasiira said.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara said the government is keen to attract leaders motivated by patriotism and public service rather than financial gain.
He nevertheless acknowledged the important role played by LC1 chairpersons and said the government intends to improve their welfare over time.
Barugahara did not indicate whether the proposed increase would be considered during the current financial year.
Uganda has more than 70,000 LC1 villages. Increasing the annual facilitation from Shs120,000 per chairperson to Shs150,000 per month would raise the government's expenditure on LC1 allowances to an estimated Shs126 billion annually, compared with about Shs8.4 billion under the current arrangement.
