Parliament Approves Pay Boost for UPDF Privates from Shs 650,000 to Shs 816,280

Parliament has given the go-ahead for a significant salary hike for privates in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). Their monthly pay is set to rise from Shs 650,000 to Shs 816,280, pending budget approval.

This decision emerged during a committee meeting on April 2, 2026, where officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, led by State Minister Hon. Huda Oleru, faced the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, chaired by Hon. Wilson Kajwengye. The discussions centered on the Ministerial Policy Statement for the 2026/2027 financial year.

Lawmakers noted that while Parliament had endorsed gradual pay enhancements for lower ranks to narrow income disparities, the latest increment stalled due to insufficient funds. MPs, including Hon. Gilbert Olanya from Kilak South County, urged allocating resources this year to keep the progression toward Shs 1 million intact.

Under Secretary Edith Buturo explained that a 63% raise to Shs 816,480 was planned but deferred. The committee plans to escalate the issue to the Budget Committee for coordination with the finance ministry.

In related security updates, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, assured the committee that Uganda’s security remains stable post-2026 elections, despite threats like terrorism from the ADF (now Islamic State Central African Province), cyber risks, and border pressures. He reported ongoing challenges in Karamoja with 110 incidents since January, including livestock thefts, and 700 urban violent crimes resulting in over 250 deaths, alongside recoveries of arms and animals.

Source: Parliament of Uganda