Government to Improve experts’, scientists’ Life With Appetizing Pay.

In a bid to attract and retain the much needed experts, the government has decided to prioritize enhancement of pay for specialists and scientists.

This, as revealed by the Public Service Minister, Wilson Muruli Mukasa, follows the fact that most experts flee abroad in search of greener pastures.

He further noted that many jobs remain unfilled largely due to the low pay levels, inadequate welfare arrangements, among others.

“For example there are less than 25 District Engineers in Uganda yet the Government is committing a lot of resources to infrastructure. There are only 102 consultants in various specialties in Health and only 62 Senior Consultants in the country,” Mukasa revealed.

With the pay increment, the government hopes to retain most of its labour by assuring scientists that in a span of 2-3 years they will be paid highly.

According to Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwire, Permanent Secretary of Public Service, over UGX 500Billion has been budgeted for in the first phase of the Enhancement of pay in the Public Service for scientists.

“Over UGX 500Billion has been budgeted for in the first phase of the Salary Enhancement of the pay for scientists and is only awaiting confirmation from the Ministry of Finance,” said Musingwire.

Payment of Public Servants has started already especially for the medical interns, nurses, among others but the bigger pay will effect next financial year.

Scientists were begun with, in this grand scheme because of the critical role they play towards the development of this country.

Mukasa believes that enhancing the salary of Scientists will equally enhance and improve the delivery of high quality essential services thereby improving the quality of citizens.

Government approved five year pay targets for the Public Service covering all employee groups and officers including the Security Organizations and the UPDF who receive salaries or allowances from the Consolidated Fund or out of monies appropriated by Parliament.

Due to the need for substantial additional resources and the global economic slowdown due to COVID-19, the Government embarked on this phased implementation of the approved pay plans.

Mukasa said that implementation commenced with Scientists and Medical Professionals. Other covered employees are legal professionals and teachers in consideration of various factors.

Increase of pay for scientists has a spiraling effect on other public servants as the Government intends to see all of the public servants work without worry.