The Ministry of Local Government has moved to end uncertainty surrounding the payment of Local Council – LC officials following the recent transition of leadership across the country.
In a letter dated May 29, 2026, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya confirmed that outgoing LC officials are entitled to salaries and allowances for May 2026, while newly elected and sworn-in leaders will begin receiving payment from June.
The clarification was contained in communication referenced HRM 55/414/01 and addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service, after several local governments sought guidance on handling salary payments during the transition period.
According to Kumumanya, the ministry reviewed the circumstances surrounding the handover process and established that most councils were sworn into office from May 18, 2026. This meant outgoing officials had effectively served for the greater part of the month.
The directive resolves a dispute that had emerged in several districts and lower local governments after the conclusion of Local Council elections and subsequent swearing-in ceremonies.
Some newly elected leaders had argued that because they had assumed office before the end of May, they should be included on the payroll for that month.
Outgoing officials, however, maintained that they had served through most of the month and were therefore entitled to the corresponding salaries and allowances.
The disagreement reportedly created administrative challenges in some areas, with uncertainty over payroll processing and accountability for local government funds.
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