Over the weekend attention was drawn to multiple incidents among them being an audio clip of a Judiciary driver decrying poor pay while his bosses live lavish lifestyles earning millions.

Stanley Kisambira, has worked with the Judiciary for 15 years since 2008. In a viral audio clip, he voices his frustration over what he perceives as a meager salary. Kisambira a resident of Bugiri states that he survives on a monthly salary of 200,000 shillings only which money caters for children’s school fees, feeding, housing and his personal needs among others.

Kisambira says most times he is forced to watch his bosses splash money on shopping sprees in supermarkets and other high end places while he can only afford to buy cheap ‘shavers’ and ‘spray’ for his wife.

He says:” Am not mad, I am just bitter, I earn only 200,000 shillings monthly, I have kids, school, rent. Salaries for judges we drive was increased because they dedicate time to their jobs and cannot do business, but what about us the drivers? We also have no time to do other businesses and don’t get leave as they do.”

He adds: “Am so angry I can run into a trailer and die, sincerely speaking. The soldier who killed Rtd Col Engola Charles had a gun, he killed only one person but as a driver, I carry a bodyguard and boss in one car. Think about that”

The Judiciary has acknowledged the issue and provided clarifications to shed light on the matter. Speaking to Galaxy Fm Reporter Rashidah Nakaayi, the Spokesman for the Judiciary Jameson Karemani has dismissed allegations that drivers in the judiciary earn only 200000 per month.

He says despite being non-staff, drivers like others are entitled to various allowances exceeding one million shillings monthly and health insurance. He explains that all drivers in the institution are employees of the Public service that deploys them.

It is not true that drivers get paid only 200,000 shillings. Whereas the salary may look small, when you add up all the other allowances, the driver gets at least above one million shillings. And that excludes allowances they get when set out on specific duty which is per diem. Every staff member, including drivers, gets health insurance.

He further explains : “Drivers are employees of the public service and they all get the same pay across all ministries and government organizations. However, when the salaries of judicial officers were enhanced, the Institution decided to motivate non- Staff and this has been done in line with Standing orders of the public service by providing other consolidated allowances to give them at least a reasonable pay.”

Karemani states that the fate of the driver will be decided by close of business today. He says the principal judge who is driven by Kisambira will be consulted and allowed to pronounce himself on the matter.

“The judge he drives will be consulted and a decision will be taken on whether he continues to serve or steps aside as investigations into the matter happen.”