Jinja City Councillors Threaten to Suspend Operations Over Unpaid Allowancse

Jinja City councillors are voicing strong frustration over two consecutive months of unpaid allowances and salaries, accusing city authorities of neglecting the welfare of both political leaders and civil servants. The concerns surfaced during a tense council meeting on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Jinja City Hall.

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The Town Clerk is always out of office, hence we have no explanation as to why there has been a delay in payments. We have information that other districts have already received money for this quarter, but here at Jinja City Council, since we were sworn in, there have been no allowances and no salaries for all other public servants.

Councillors reported that both elected officials and city employees have not received payments for two months, causing significant financial strain. Workers' Councillor Joshua Bogoole directed criticism at City Clerk Godfrey Kiseka, alleging a failure to effectively follow up with the Ministry of Finance regarding the delayed payments. Bogoole highlighted the lack of clear communication and urgency from city leadership, noting that other districts have reportedly received their quarterly funds while Jinja City has not.

"We cannot continue operating under these conditions. Leaders and workers are financially strained, yet there seems to be little urgency in resolving this matter," Bogoole stated. Jinja Northern Division Male Councillor Ivan Basoga Kamezze issued a stern warning, declaring that councillors would halt council business and other city operations if outstanding payments are not settled by the end of August. This action would persist until government intervenes to release the necessary funds.

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We cannot continue operating under these conditions. Leaders and workers are financially strained, yet there seems to be little urgency in resolving this matter.

Speaker Juma Sozzi acknowledged the gravity of the situation and pledged to engage with relevant government ministries, including the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Finance, to expedite fund release. He also directed the Principal Deputy City Clerk, Isabella Akiiki, to present a detailed report on the payment delays at the next sitting. Akiiki, however, attributed the delays to technical challenges within central government systems, specifically mentioning issues within the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Finance, rather than negligence by city authorities.

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This council cannot function when its members are not facilitated. If nothing is done, we shall be left with no option but to halt all council activities.