Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Retiring police officers are appealing to President Yoweri Museveni for salary increase, urging that the salaries of senior police officers align with those of their counterparts in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
A total of 233 officers from the rank of SCP to PC on Tuesday 12, December 2023 retired from the Uganda Police Force (UPF) after clocking 60 years of mandatory retirement at a colorful function held at Police Headquarters Naguru.
The plea for salary enhancement was conveyed by the retiring Deputy Director for Interpol-Uganda, Joseph Obwana, representing 233 police officers retiring from active service. Obwana, holding the rank of Senior Commissioner of Police (SCP), equivalent to Lieutenant General, revealed earning Shs 2.5 million, significantly lower than the over Shs 13.5 million received by counterparts in the army.
Highlighting a significant wage disparity, Obwana pointed out that while the UPDF increased salaries for Generals, Colonels, and Majors on May 25, 2022, with four-star Generals now earning 15 million Shillings, their police counterparts, the Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (AIGPs), are earning 2.9 million shillings monthly.
Expressing his concerns, Obwana emphasized the need for President Museveni to address this salary discrepancy and elevate senior police officers’ pay to match that of their military counterparts. He underscored the disparity by sharing that his retiring military counterparts with equivalent ranks received more attractive packages.
“We appeal to you, Mr. President, to increase our salaries and gratuity just like that of our colleagues in the UPDF. I recently shared with our retiring colleagues in the UPDF, and their packages were very motivational,” pleaded Obwana.
Having served for close to 40 years, Obwana, who was deputy to AIGP Grace Akullo, saw his two-year contract not renewed, leading to his official retirement.
In his retirement, along with 212 others from various ranks, Professor Samuel Ssejjaka encouraged the retirees not to disregard their decades of police service but to explore opportunities in private security services, including consultancy.
Ssejjaka advised, “You can become a consultant in very many aspects of security in this country. It is important to manage your priorities because your resources are now going to be limited.”
Jesse Kamunanwire, the Director of Police Human Resource Management, and Deputy IGP Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, advised the retirees to prioritize health, adapt to the new normal of living with ordinary communities, and exercise caution in their investments.
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Addressing the retiring officers, the Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, congratulated the officers upon this career milestone achievement.
“Leaving service is not the end, we appreciate that you have covered your journey. Retirement is a phase in life, now go and integrate in society. You have played your role and we are proud of your contribution, please, maintain discipline”. Said the DIGP
He added “Improve society like you have improved the Uganda police force, be agents of change, avoid alcoholism, and do not be used by bad elements in society to do criminal activities.
He encouraged the officers to seek roles that would keep them relevant, serving as positive police ambassadors during retirement. He also explained the importance of effective financial management and encouraged them to actively participate in government programs aimed at wealth creation.
