The government has significantly increased the salaries of senior police and prison officers, particularly those holding the ranks of Assistant Inspector General and Commissioner. According to a new circular from the Ministry of Public Service, many top-ranking officers have seen their pay nearly double compared to the previous financial year, with the changes taking effect this month.
Under the revised salary structure, both Assistant Inspector Generals of Police (AIGPs) and Assistant Commissioner Generals of Prisons (ACGPs) will now earn a uniform monthly salary of Shs12.75 million, regardless of academic qualifications. Previously, AIGPs and ACGPs earned between Shs6.8 million and Shs8.7 million depending on their background in Arts, Sciences, or Law.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
The pay for Senior Commissioners and Commissioners in both institutions has also risen to Shs12.75 million, an increase from earlier salaries that ranged between Shs6.4 million and Shs11.9 million.
However, lower-ranked officers have seen minimal or no change in their salaries. In several cases, the Public Service ministry presented misleading data by comparing outdated figures with current ones, creating the impression of a greater increase than actually provided. For example, the salary of a Special Police Constable (SPC) was presented as rising from Shs375,000 to Shs469,000, though in reality the previous year’s pay had already reached Shs440,000, making the actual increment just Shs29,000.
Mid-level officers like Assistant Commissioners of Police and Prisons (ACP) and Senior Superintendents (SSP) have had their salaries stagnate, with those holding Science or legal qualifications maintaining slightly higher pay than their Arts counterparts. For instance, ACPs with legal training continue to earn Shs5.1 million, while Science-trained officers remain at Shs6.5 million.
Meanwhile, the salaries of lower ranks—such as Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Inspectors, and Sergeants—have largely remained unchanged. Most constables and warders are also still earning the same amounts as last financial year, with the lowest-paid SPCs now taking home Shs469,000.
Beyond security forces, senior civil servants such as Chief Administrative Officers, Directors, Commissioners, and Town Clerks have also received a salary boost to Shs12.75 million. However, Arts teachers, who have long campaigned for better pay and recently went on strike, were left out of this year’s salary adjustments. They have since agreed to return to work following government assurances of future consideration.
The new salary structure has pushed the government’s total wage bill up from Shs7.8 trillion last year to Shs8.5 trillion this financial year. The Ministry of Public Service noted that the pay rise is part of a phased plan to improve public sector salaries over time.
Also Read: Amama Mbabazi’s Daughter Wanted Over Unpaid Shs 450m Loan
