Uganda could continue losing newly- trained pilots for UPDF fighter planes if their remunerations are not revised upwards.

The pilots say their morale is totally down yet they are operating ‘complex’ jets.


So far, two of the eight trained pilots have left the airbase to look for greener pastures, prompting their counterparts in the Sukhoi Squadron, to write a complaint letter to army commander in chief President Museveni.


The group claims a directive by the President to have pilots’ allowances increased has not been implemented since September last year.


In the letter, also copied to the Air force Commander, Brig. Jim Oweyesigire, and Commander Armed Forces Gen. Aronda Nyakayirima, the group says they are paid only about five to 10 per cent of consolidated earnings that expatriate pilots in the same unit and in the commercial sector get.


Not encouraging
“A UPDF jet fighter pilot earns an average consolidated monthly pay of $500 (Shs1.2m) compared to a pilot in the commercial sector who earns between $8,000 (Shs19m) and $10,000 (Shs24m) while a co-pilot earns $5,000 (Shs12m) to $7,000 (Shs16m),” the September 2011 letter accessed by Saturday Monitor reads.

The pilots also expressed concern over the Ministry of Defence paying Russian experts flying helicopters a monthly salary of $8,000 (Shs19.2m), in addition to rent and medical allowances yet they don’t get the same.


“World over, it’s a fact that employees in the private sector earn relatively more than government employees.


However, big differences as seen above, in the pay scales of professionals in the same field, negatively impacts the job performance of the least paid,” the letter addressed to Musevei further reads.


Responding to the claims, UPDF Air force Chief of Staff Moses Rwakitarate acknowledged that the pilots are getting less consolidated pays compared to other pilots within the force but added that the matter is being handled and would soon see their professional allowances increased.


“We presented their plight before the ministries of Defence and Finance and we are waiting for a response,” Brig. Rwakitarate told this paper, adding that the soldiers’ pay should be increased because of the increasing cost of living.


“This is not an army of the former regimes where a presidential directive would be implemented the next day. There are processes to follow that we should respect,” he added.


On the complaints raised in the letter to President Museveni that they are not awarded licence despite successfully completing their courses, Brig. Rwakitarate said pilots in the army world over are not given commercial pilot licences but have a certificate to enable them fly.


Pilots operating minor aircrafts have also raised concern over their working condition, with some saying they work a whole day without meals because they are ordered to take VIPs to various destinations.


UPDF Air force spokesman Omayo Onjiero acknowledged that the pilots were paid less compared to their counterparts in the same unit.

U.S. Army personnel assist Ugandan military