Ugandan MPs refused pay rise

Source: Newvision

The ministry of finance has rejected a demand by Ugandan MPs to increase their salaries.

Deputies in the national parliament had drawn anger and insults after demanding a major pay hike even though they already earn about 15 million shillings (about $6,100) a month — sixty times more than most state employees.

Jim Mugunga the finance ministry spokesperson in an interview with  AFP said that the request was “not a priority”.

“The national priorities at the moment are different. We are looking at infrastructure to boost production,” said Jim Mugunga.

Apart from their salaries these MPs also receive various benefits including expenses for travel and the purchase of personal vehicles, sitting allowances among other payments.

This comes in at a time when Uganda is receiving regular criticism over allegations of rampant corruption.