Public Service Minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa says he will resign his job if President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni’s government does increase salaries of all heath workers in the country.
In recent months, government has had to make explanations to various groups of health workers seeking enhancement of salaries starting in the next financial year as promised by President Museveni years ago.
Science teachers, allied health professionals, nurses and midwives have all gone on strike, separately, as they demand salary enhancement. The month of May 2022 has seen at least three strikes with that of science teachers beginning on May 09 and ending on May 19; that of allied health professionals starting on May 16; and that of nurses and midwives beginning on May 26.
Government, through its Ministry of Public Service, has assured health workers and scientists that their salaries will be enhanced starting July 2022. With some of these scientists doubting government commitments since the promises have previously not been fulfilled, Muruli Mukasa has had to do something to prove that it will be serious business this time.
The Minister says that he will not hesitate to hand the appointing authority, President Museveni, his resignation letter if health workers’ salaries are not enhanced beginning in the 2022-23 Financial Year. He also staked his right hand.
“If it is not there, if it was not to be there, yes, I have made a promise, and I don’t want to tell Ugandans lies, I would resign. Resigning is a very simple issue,” said Muruli Mukasa, who is also the acting minister in charge of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“All I know is that I can stake my right hand, cut it off.”
Meanwhile, Minister Muruli Mukasa has also announced that all sweepers in health centres and hospitals will also have their salaries increased starting July 2022. (Read Story Here).
The Public Service Minister has also ordered nurses, midwives and all other striking health workers to return to work on Monday, next week, or be fired. (Read Story Here).
