By Watchdog reporter
Recently, the new Electoral Commission top bosses complained to the speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga over the less monthly salaries they receive and many people thought that the officials were just being greedy not knowing that indeed basing on their roles in the country, what they were receiving was too little for them.
Remember, most top officials in several ministries receive salaries of not less than shs20 million monthly and some even bag more than shs40 million.
We should accept the fact that EC plays one of the core roles in the country and one of the objectives being able to facilitate free and fair elections and also regulate activities of all registered political parties in the land.
With a huge task ahead of it, EC would be one of the most highly funded government organizations and its officers well paid to allow them execute their duties with precision.
Unfortunately, it’s the opposite.
According to TrumpetNews, the head of the commission, his deputy, secretary and commissioners all earn peanuts less than what a driver at city hall takes home at the end of the month.
It is no public secret that a driver of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) executive director Jenifer Musisi bags shs 7m monthly exclusive of tax and allowances.
Shockingly, the head of the Commission, Justice Simon Mugenyi Byabakama earns shs 8457300 gross and after taxes Byabakama takes home shs 4m while his deputy Hajati Aisha Lubega earns shs 8157300 gross.
The five commissioners; Peter Emorut, Steven Tashobya, Nathaline Etomaru, Mustapha Ssebaggala Kigozi and Justin A. Mugabi each walks with shs 8007300 monthly while the secretary Sam Rwakoojo (accounting officer) bags shs 5m inclusive of tax.
The director of finance earns shs 4m, heads of departments like procurement, contracts committee, public relations walk away with shs 2152000.
Principle officers are paid shs 1930000, senior officers get shs 1300000 while principle assistant election officer earns shs 1298609.
Senior assistant election officer (1) takes shs 1159038 and senior assistant election officer (2) is paid shs 881626.
Assistant officer is paid shs 708988, clerical secretariat bags shs 54735, election assistant takes 423012 and drivers earn shs 355764.
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