By Aggrey Baba
A Lusoga proverb says, “If you refuse to honor your elders, you will struggle to find guidance in times of need.” This saying is proving true as the government grapples with a funding shortfall that threatens to reduce the salaries of traditional and cultural leaders across Uganda.
The Ministry of Gender has requested Shs 12.24 billion to ensure that each of the 17 recognized cultural leaders receives a monthly salary of Shs 60 million in the 2025/26 financial year. However, only Shs 1.02 billion has been allocated, translating to just Shs 5 million per leader per month, far below the approved amount.
Workers MP Agnes Kunihira, who tabled the proposal, cautioned, on Wednesday, Jan 2025, that failing to meet the financial commitments made to cultural institutions could send a wrong signal about the government’s support for traditional leadership.
“Reducing their salaries contradicts the government’s past commitments and may strain relations between the state and cultural institutions,” Kunihira warned.
Parliament had previously approved Shs 31.33 billion in 2024 for cultural leaders’ salaries and palace construction projects for the Iteso, Tieng Adhola, Buruli, and Rwenzururu kingdoms, following a directive from President Museveni.
Meanwhile, a recent Auditor General’s report has shed light on questionable spending patterns in State House.
In the 2023/24 fiscal year, Shs 18.17 billion had been allocated for presidential donations, but the actual expenditure ballooned to Shs 80.18 billion. Other expenses included Shs 1.167 billion for inland travel, Shs 3.8 billion for staff salaries, and Shs 3.397 billion for allowances.
With Uganda’s economy facing increased pressure, questions are growing over whether the government can balance financial discipline with political and cultural commitments.
As the national budget tightens, Parliament will have to decide where to cut and where to invest, mindful that neglecting cultural heritage could have lasting consequences. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
