Activists have raised concerns over the government’s science-first policy, which prioritizes better remuneration for civil servants in science-related fields over their counterparts in arts-related services. They warn that the policy, intended to retain talent, is instead driving resignations among beneficiaries, leading to long-term consequences for the public sector.
Speaking on findings from the Auditor General’s 2024 report on financial statements for government ministries, departments, and agencies, the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) revealed that the salary disparity has led to an exodus of experienced civil servants, contradicting the government’s goal of retention.
CSBAG cautioned that the mass resignations could overwhelm Uganda’s pension system, which is already struggling with ghost pensioners, an unverifiable payroll, and funding shortfalls. The disparity is evident in recent salary increments: a 300% raise saw diploma-level science teachers’ salaries jump from UGX 900,000 to UGX 3 million, while graduate science teachers’ pay increased from UGX 1.2 million to UGX 4 million. Meanwhile, arts and humanities teachers received no increment.
With the new salary structure, science teachers qualify for significantly higher retirement benefits—UGX 172 million in gratuity and UGX 1.92 million in monthly pension—compared to UGX 46.5 million and UGX 517,518, respectively, for arts-based teachers. This financial advantage, according to CSBAG Executive Director Julius Mukunda, has incentivized early retirement, prompting the Ministry of Public Service to impose a moratorium on voluntary retirement. However, Mukunda warned that such restrictions could be legally challenged, adding further financial burdens to the government.
Government’s Response
When asked about the Auditor General’s report, Minister of State for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo admitted he had not reviewed it but acknowledged the risk of losing experienced science teachers.
“You will agree with me that the country has been facing a shortage of science teachers. If we are now losing those with experience, that would be unfortunate. It is their right, but it is not good for the country,” Muyingo said.
The Auditor General’s 2024 report, released on December 31, revealed that 5,649 retirees were excluded from the 2023/24 pension payroll, while 4,948 had waited between one and twenty years for inclusion, despite meeting all requirements. Many continue to struggle with financial distress due to pension payment delays.
Mukunda, along with economists Kenneth Asiimwe and Pascal Muhangi, urged the government to expedite the inclusion of qualified pensioners and streamline verification processes to prevent unnecessary suffering. Cases of pensioners dying in financial distress due to bureaucratic delays have frequently been reported in the media.
Despite ongoing issues, corruption in Uganda’s pension sector remains rampant. In 2012, a government investigation uncovered the disappearance of billions of shillings meant for pensioners. Three senior officials—Public Service Chief Accountant Christopher Obey, Director for Research and Development Kiwanuka Kunsa, and Senior Accounts Assistant David Oloka—were convicted by the Anti-Corruption Court for fraud.
An asset audit by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) confirmed that the trio had amassed vast wealth in a short period through pension fund embezzlement. While they were sentenced to various jail terms, challenges in the pension sector persist, highlighting the need for urgent reforms.
CSBAG is urging the government to review its salary structures and in-service benefits to prevent further strain on the pension system. They also recommend diversifying funding sources for the pension sector and addressing longstanding inefficiencies to ensure financial security for retirees.
The debate over Uganda’s science-first policy underscores broader concerns about equitable public sector remuneration and the sustainability of pension funding in the face of mounting financial pressures.