Uganda to increase salaries of public servants

KAMPALA, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government has announced that it will increase salaries of all public servants in a phased manner starting next financial year.

Muruli Mukasa, the minister for public service, told reporters here on Monday that the government has approved the salary enhancement for all categories of public servants in a phased manner to ensure equity and fairness.

He said all the health workers, scientists, judiciary, lower level soldier cadres, police officers, prison officers, primary and secondary school teachers will benefit from the first batch of the salary enhancement starting next financial year, 2018/2019.

"The government is true to its commitment of better service delivery. With this pay rise efficiency should be expected," said Mukasa.

"I think there should be no cause for extension of industrial actions or strike in the country," he said.

The announcement comes just days to the Dec. 15 when the government salary review commission is expected to issue its report on the regularization of remuneration of all government workers for salary enhancements.

The government announcement comes amid increased strikes by public servants over low pay.

A recent strike by doctors in public health facilities paralyzed the health sector in the country. Public prosecutors are also on strike over pay. Enditem