Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently disclosed that his official monthly salary is 3.6 million Ugandan shillings (about KSh 126,660), a relatively modest sum compared to other African leaders.
This revelation came during public discussions about government salaries and allowances.
Museveni even mentioned feeling dismayed upon learning that Kenyan MPs earn significantly more—up to KSh 800,000 per month.
The stark contrast in pay raised eyebrows, particularly given the large income gap between politicians in the two countries.
Museveni’s comment highlights the broader issue of salary disparities across East Africa. While he has maintained that he lives on his earnings without extravagance, the discussion around his salary prompted curiosity, especially in light of how other East African leaders are compensated.
For example, Kenya’s President William Ruto earns approximately KSh 1.44 million monthly, far above what Museveni takes home.
Despite Museveni’s long tenure in office since 1986, his salary remains lower than that of some regional peers.
This public salary discussion also ties into earlier reports that Museveni once requested a five-month salary advance after the 2016 general election.
This request, amounting to UGX 19.1 million, sparked a debate about the transparency of government expenditures and how public funds are managed, particularly at the highest levels of leadership.
