Civil Servants Stranded Without Salaries Following Massive System Failure

KAMPALA, Uganda — Thousands of civil servants face a bleak holiday as a salary dispute between local governments and the Ministry of Finance has left many without pay days before Christmas.

While local government officials cite a widespread system failure, the central government maintains the issue is limited to a few districts that failed to meet administrative requirements.

Jim Mugunga, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, denied reports of a technical breakdown at the ministry or the Bank of Uganda. He said systems are fully operational and that 97% of salaries have been processed.

As far as I am aware, there are no system failures, Mugunga said Tuesday. We are fully operational and processed salaries as expected and to our usual standards.

However, some officials speaking on condition of anonymity said a ministry-level system failure blocked districts that attempted to process payments this week.

In Bukedea District, acting Chief Administrative Officer Joseph Ochom told employees that challenges with invoicing rights in the Integrated Management System would delay December paychecks. He said the district is working with the Finance Ministry to resolve the matter.

Mugunga dismissed the claims from Bukedea, describing the situation as an isolated case of indiscipline. He said Bukedea, Kumi Municipal Council, Karenga District and Kotido District were sanctioned for failing to comply with mandatory statutory submissions.

This delay can easily be resolved by the relevant Bukedea leadership if it elects to fulfill requirements as expected, rather than resort to claims of nonexistent system faults, Mugunga said.

Labor unions argue the problem is more extensive than the government admits. Filbert Baguma, secretary general of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union, said reports of nonpayment are surfacing across the country.

We have received complaints from our members, and we are compiling a list of districts that have not paid their teachers and other civil servants, Baguma said. He added that even in areas where payments were made, some workers reported anomalies in their bank accounts.

Hassan Madimba, secretary general of the Uganda Local Government Workers’ Union, said he is engaging the Ministry of Public Service to address the delays.

Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, said she is verifying the claims of nonpayment. She previously directed all accounting officers to ensure civil servants were paid by Dec. 23