By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Local Council (LC) leaders in Otuke District have expressed frustration over the persistent low ex-gratia payments, calling on the government to consider a salary increment or risk mass resignation.
LC I and LC II chairpersons currently receive an annual ex-gratia payment of only 120,000 shillings equivalent to just 10,000 shillings per month.
Speaking after receiving their payments at the district headquarters on Thursday, David Okot, the LC I Chairperson of Awinyoruu Village, Barjobi Parish, lamented the government’s continued failure to fulfill promises.
He said their biggest challenge is that for several years, the government has been lying to them about ex-gratia increments, yet nothing has improved to date.
Bosco Ocan, the LC I Chairperson of Aminawili Village in Adwari Sub-county, said the money they are currently receiving is not helpful.
He demanded an increment and warned that if government does not respond positively, they will be forced to lay down their tools.
John Bosco Alol, the LC I Chairperson of Ogor Sub-county, blamed area Members of Parliament for not taking their concerns seriously in Parliament.
He said MPs have failed to advocate for their welfare at the national level.
Lujino Okengo, the LC II Chairperson of Anyalima Parish in Ogor Sub-county, suggested that government should consider including them in agricultural support programs.
He said the money they are getting is very little and that supplying them with seeds would be a better way to support their livelihoods.
Martin Acai, LC II Chairperson of Ating Parish in Orum Sub-county, said the UGX 10,000 monthly ex-gratia is too little, adding that even the garden work they do earns more than that amount.
He urged government to increase their pay.
Tom Edward Ojok, LC II Chairperson of Alangi Parish in Orum Sub-county, proposed that the payment be increased to UGX 30,000 and paid on a monthly basis to better support their service to the community.
Responding to the matter, Benson Oyaka Okello, the District Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, said the issue was already tabled before the District Council.
He urged LC leaders to remain calm as the matter is being handled.
The Chief Finance Officer, CPA Franchise Kamala, encouraged the LCs to utilize the little money wisely.
He warned them against spending the money on alcohol and luxuries, advising them instead to buy seeds since it is the rainy season.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Administrative Officer, Patrick Onyek, the Personal Assistant Secretary in the CAO’s Office, applauded the LCs for their continued service.
He acknowledged that although the ex-gratia has not yet been increased, government has a plan in the pipeline.
He encouraged the chairpersons to keep working and support government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Program (YLP), Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Program (UWEP), and Emyooga.
He also advised them to lead in tree planting efforts as part of environmental protection.
Otuke District received a total of Shs 68,760,000 for ex-gratia payments, benefiting 519 LC I and 54 LC II chairpersons each receiving Shs 120,000.
