How Frank Gashumba Reacted After Govt Gazetted a Salary Increament to Prison Officers

PHOTO/COURTESYFrank Gashumba, a polarizing Ugandan social commentator and businessman, has never shied away from voicing his opinions on matters of governance, often stirring controversy with his outspoken critiques.

Recently, Gashumba has taken to social media and public platforms to weigh in on the significant salary increases for police and prison officers in Uganda, as outlined in recent government announcements.

His allegations, while lacking concrete evidence, have sparked debate about the motives behind the pay hikes, the timing, and their implications for the nation’s socio-political landscape. This article delves into Gashumba’s claims, contextualizing them against the backdrop of official reports and public sentiment.

In July 2025, the Ugandan government implemented substantial salary increases for police and prison officers, particularly targeting senior ranks.

According to a circular from the Ministry of Public Service, top officers from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) and Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons (ACGP) to Commissioners saw their salaries double, with some now earning up to Shs12.75 million per month, regardless of their educational background.For instance, an AIGP/ACGP previously earning between Shs6.8 million and Shs8.7 million now receives a standardized Shs12.75 million.

Similarly, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba and Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP) Johnson Byabashaija saw their monthly pay rise to Shs15.4 million from Shs6.8 million, while their deputies now earn Shs13.8 million, up from Shs6.7 million.

Junior officers, however, received more modest increments, with special police constables seeing a raise from Shs440,000 to Shs469,000, a mere Shs29,000 increase.

These raises, effective from July 2024 and further adjusted in 2025, have been framed by the government as a move to improve the welfare of security personnel, enhance service delivery, and address long-standing pay disparities.

However, Frank Gashumba has offered a different interpretation, alleging that the salary increments are not as altruistic as they appear