Under normal circumstances the government would announce salary increments based on percentages across the board. This time around, a new system was adopted. Under the new arrangement, the government adopted an approach that will see the phased salary enhancement process from what the Cabinet said would aid in proper planning for everybody. “The Cabinet at a special seating chaired by H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of Uganda on the 9th of December this year at State House Entebbe resolved that all public salaries of all public servants will be enhanced in a phased manner beginning in July 2018 that is in the next financial year.”

“Government plans for all, it plans for all so when we are appealing to one category to be patient with the government we mind about doctors, we mind about Policemen, we mind about Local Government leaders. So that’s why the decision is across the whole spectrum.” Said, Frank Tumwebaze – Information Minister. “And I ask all our workers never to take Uganda to the extreme limits of people like the days of Margret Sacha with the industrial action so that then we continue to be sure that what we give to our people is all other priorities have been taken into consideration.”

The announcement meant other Civil Servants will have to wait longer for the dream of a salary enhancement to come true. For now, those to benefit in the first phase included primary school teachers, secondary school science teachers, local government leaders, soldiers from the rank of private to sergeant, Police officers from the rank of Constables to Sergeant, Prison staff from the rank of Warders to Sergeant, Health workers, All scientists, All Judicial officers including State Attorneys. A green light at the end of the tunnel for a section of Civil Servants will be beneficiaries of what the government called the first phase of salary enhancement. Will these ease the tension that characterizes the Civil Service?