Museveni Says He Earns Shs3.6 Million Monthly, Relies on Farming for Wealth

President Museveni says he earns Shs3.6 million monthly as salary, with deductions to NRM and his family, and insists his main income comes from commercial farming rather than government pay.

For many Ugandans, it is often assumed that the President earns one of the highest public salaries due to the heavy responsibilities of leading the country, overseeing national security, shaping policy and representing Uganda internationally.

However, President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly stated that his official salary is much lower than many expect. He has said he earns Shs3.6 million per month, explaining that his income mainly comes from commercial agriculture rather than government pay. According to him, part of this salary is deducted as a contribution to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“They pay me Shs3.6m only. 20% goes to NRM and Shs2.7m for Mama,” Museveni said, referring to First Lady Janet Museveni.

The President said the deduction includes a 20 percent contribution to the NRM, while another portion goes to his wife for family matters, leaving him with less than what many senior officials earn.

Museveni has made similar remarks in the past. In 2015, while speaking in Bukedea District, he described himself as one of Africa’s least-paid presidents, stressing that his wealth comes from agriculture.

“Your President is one of the least paid on the continent. Although I earn little from your government, I’m a rich man from agriculture,” he said.

He has often encouraged Ugandans to embrace commercial farming and income-generating activities instead of relying on formal employment, saying leadership should be seen as service rather than a path to personal enrichment.

At a 2015 engagement with students at the International University of East Africa, he added: “I am only there to help you. It is a voluntary service that I am offering. My job is to be a cattle keeper.”

Despite debate around the remarks, Museveni has consistently maintained that his official salary is Shs3.6 million per month before deductions, while insisting his main earnings come from private agricultural ventures.