Professor Augustus Nuwagaba the deputy Bank of Uganda governor was shocked upon learning that judiciary drivers are getting almost quarter of their monthly salary.
Professor Nuwagaba a celebrated economists and Rotarian recently addressed judicial officers and staff on how to prepare for their retirement where he advised them to adopt the culture of saving for their retirement noting that he has seen a number of public servants struggling with life after retiring from their jobs.
After making the moving address, staff were given the opportunity to ask questions or supplement on the professor‘s submission. The first person to raise his hand was a driver who drives one of the Anti Corruption Division of the High Court judge whose question shocked the professor.
He asked the professor to help him calculate and fit what he earns into his financial obligations.
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He stated that he is receiving a monthly salary of Shs230,000 which he uses to pay rent for his house, take care of his family and facilitate other personal obligations including servicing bank loans.
“Help me to understand how I can use my monthly salary which I have revealed to you to fit the huge obligations I have and remain with something to save for my retirement as you have emphasized. Thank professor,” a source quoted the driver.
Before another person was given the microphone to speak, professor looked shocked and placed the driver to task to confirm whether he is receiving that amount of money which he confirmed.
He turned his eyes on Justice Mike Chibita of the Supreme Court because he was the big man in the room and asked him whether what the driver was telling the meeting was true. In response according to sources, Justice Chibita said, “I also don’t.”
Professor pleaded with Chibita who is highly expected to replace Justice Owiny Dollo as the next Chief Justice come January 2026 picked interest in the matter concerning the salaries of judiciary staff especially drivers and clerks because they play a big role in the performance of the judiciary.
“With that payment, how can you convince me that that person cannot be used to endanger your life or frustrate your performance after accepting a bribe,” a source quoted professor telling judiciary bosses.
The drivers further narrated that apart from being poorly paid, they are also being mistreated by their bosses to the extent that some are abused, leave them to starve and refuse them to use the judiciary car to drive back to their homes after taking their bosses to their homes.
“They want us to always to be smart, dressed in suits but where do we get that money from,” a source said
However, they praised some judges who they commended as good bosses like Justice Elizabeth Musoke, Justice Catherine Bmugemereire who are both justices of the supreme court and retired justice Faith Mwondha also of the supreme court and Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal.
The development comes as Stanely Kisambira a driver with the judiciary was interdicted from his job and he is facing criminal proceedings at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates court after recording himself on behalf of other drivers threatening to kill their bosses and their security guards in an accident because of poor working conditions.
Dr Pius Bigirimana the Secretary to judiciary and also the Permanent Secretary rubbished the allegation insisting that drivers are well looked after by the judiciary and receive their monthly salary and other allowances in time.
