Majority of members of President Yoweri Museveni’s new cabinet were sworn in at a ceremony held at State House Entebbe on Monday, 08 June 2026. The ministers were nominated weeks ago before they were vetted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
At least four nominees, including Adonia Ayebare (foreign affairs), Shartsi Musherure (microfinance), Calvin Echodu (state, foreign affairs – international affairs), and Dr Lawrence Muganga (state, for internal affairs), were rejected by Parliament’s Appointment Committee over dual or multiple citizenship – with Muganga’s issue more prominently reported in the Ugandan media.
With President Yoweri Museveni maintaining a sizeable Cabinet to oversee various sectors of government, questions about how much ministers earn continue to attract widespread interest among taxpayers and political observers alike. How much does a Ugandan minister earn? The Pearl Times has been looking for answers to this question.
Available government records and previous official disclosures indicate that a full Cabinet Minister earns approximately Shs28 million per month, while a State Minister receives about Shs26 million monthly.
The figures include salary and other emoluments attached to the offices and have been widely cited as the standard ministerial compensation package in Uganda.
However, the remuneration structure is more complex than many Ugandans realize.
According to previously published official figures, ex-officio ministers are paid a gross monthly salary of about Shs2 million by the Ministry of Public Service and receive a consolidated pay of approximately Shs18 million per month. Their earnings differ from those of ministers who hold elected positions in Parliament.
For ministers who are also elected Members of Parliament, the overall package can be significantly higher. Such ministers are entitled to the same remuneration paid to MPs, including a consolidated monthly pay estimated at about Shs25 million, in addition to benefits attached to their ministerial appointments. (See Details on MPs’ salaries and allowances Here).
The arrangement means that ministers do not all earn exactly the same amount. Their total monthly earnings can vary depending on whether they are serving solely as ministers, as ex-officio members of Parliament, or as elected legislators who also hold Cabinet portfolios.
Beyond salaries, ministers are entitled to several official benefits and allowances linked to the responsibilities of their offices. These include facilitation for official travel, transport, communication, medical, Â accommodation and other work-related expenses necessary for carrying out government duties.
The Ministry of Public Service has, over the years, issued instruments updating responsibility allowances for Ministers and Ministers of State, reflecting the importance attached to their positions and the demands of managing government programmes.
The debate surrounding ministerial remuneration has become increasingly prominent because of the size of Uganda’s Cabinet. Supporters argue that a broad Cabinet enables wider political representation and helps government address specialized sectors through dedicated ministers and state ministers.
Critics, however, contend that maintaining a large executive structure places a significant burden on the national budget, especially when salaries, allowances, official vehicles, fuel, security and administrative support are taken into account.
Uganda’s Cabinet includes senior government officials responsible for overseeing key sectors such as finance, health, education, foreign affairs, security, works and transport, among others. Ministers are appointed by the President and approved by Parliament before assuming office.
On the whole, while government does not routinely publish detailed monthly breakdowns for every minister, available records show that a Cabinet Minister earns about Shs28 million per month, a State Minister receives about Shs26 million, while ex-officio ministers and ministers who are also MPs fall under separate remuneration arrangements that can significantly affect their total take-home package.
You can read about the most highly paid government official pocketing Shs100m every month Here.
The lists of Museveni’s most highly paid advisors and State House staff earning millions of money are Here and There.
The full salary structure showing how much government employee categories earn every month in the current financial year is HERE.
