The army had previously proposed to effect salary increments, which would see the lowest paid soldier earning Shs 469,355 from Shs 385,279 each month. A 2nd Lieutenant would earn Shs 798,667 compared to the Shs 543,690 they currently earn each month.
The planned pay rise was meant to cater for private soldiers up to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant because enhancement across all the ranks was unaffordable, according to the message.
Brigadier Richard Karemire, the UPDF spokesperson had previously said the planned increment was meant to ensure that the lowest paid soldier gets an equivalent of what a primary school teacher earns.
Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki, the deputy UPDF spokesperson has confirmed the suspension of the proposed pay rise.
“Our salaries are always increased in phases but this financial year we’re not going to get that increment unfortunately. Maybe in the next financial year. We all know the economy has not been doing well this financial year and the past financial year. We have to work within the means of the economy – what the economy can support but definitely at some point the salary will be increased but it has not been possible this financial year”, said Akiiki.
According to Akiiki, in the meantime the army has decided to focus on issues of strategic importance.
“There are other more pressing issues that the leadership considers to be more strategic than increasing salaries. We cannot increase the salary and our soldiers cannot eat”, he added.
Government allocated ministry of Defense Shs 463.54 billion for the 2017/2018 financial year as compared to Shs 459.84 billion in the 2016/2017 financial year to cater for the pay rise for the soldiers.
