Members of Parliament have given their approval for a monthly salary increment of Ugandan Shillings 60 million to be allocated to traditional and cultural leaders, following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni.
During the budget preparations for the 2024/25 financial year, Parliament, last month, accepted the recommendation put forth by the Committee on Gender, Labour, and Social Development, urging the government to allocate Ugandan Shillings 31.330 billion for the payment of monthly salaries to each of the 17 recognized traditional leaders.
Previously, the government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, had been providing a monthly stipend of Ugandan Shillings 5 million to each traditional leader, with President Museveni occasionally donating means of transportation. Notably, the kingdoms of Buganda, Bunyoro, Tooro, and Busoga were reinstated following their abolition during the Obote I regime.
Additionally, MPs have agreed to allocate Ugandan Shillings 17.2 billion for the construction of palaces for the traditional leaders of Teso, Tieng Adhola, Buruli, and Rwenzururu kingdoms, as per the presidential directive. Notably, in November 2016, the Rwenzururu kingdom’s Buhikira palace in Kasese town was raided by the army, resulting in its destruction and the loss of over 100 lives during violent protests following the arrest of their king, Charles Wesley Mumbere.
According to Flavia Kabahenda, chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Gender, Labour & Social Development, the total annual budget requirement for traditional leaders’ emoluments amounts to Ugandan Shillings 32.170 billion, with only Ugandan Shillings 840 million provided, leaving a shortfall of Ugandan Shillings 31.330 billion.
John Baptist Nambeshe, Chief Opposition Whip, raised concerns about the exclusion of the Bugisu cultural institution from the palace construction plans, emphasizing the pledges made by the president regarding the construction of their palace.
In response, Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, clarified that the palaces are being constructed for cultural institutions with clear land titles and devoid of leadership conflicts. She acknowledged the necessity for land titles before proceeding with directives for palace construction.
Usuk County MP, John Bosco Okiror, welcomed the proposal for palace construction but suggested that funds allocated for the Iteso palace be placed under the Ministry of Teso Affairs for effective monitoring.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa urged Okiror to present his recommendations regarding which ministry should oversee these funds before the budget committee, facilitating a comprehensive decision-making process.
