Judiciary driver who complained about low salary arrested

Stanley Kisambira, a driver deployed by the judiciary for the last 15 years has been arrested by police after he released audio clips threatening to commit murder-suicide so as to kill a judge over a meagre salary.

Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire says the police opened a general inquiry file on Monday evening at Kampala Central police station to investigate Kisambira’s threats.

URN couldn’t not independently verify which judicial officer Kisambira drives. Social media platforms suggest that he is the chief justice’s driver, while Owoyesigyire states that he is a driver for a judge attached to Mbale High court. Owoyesigyire says that Kisambira has refused to give a statement to the police in the absence of his lawyer. 

In the audio clips, Kisambira can be heard complaining about salary disparities in the judiciary for drivers and expressing his dissatisfaction with earning Shs 200,000 since joining the justice system in 2008. The judiciary released a statement addressing Kisambira’s released audio. They acknowledged his concerns and provided clarifications to shed light on the matter. 

The statement explained that drivers now receive a consolidated monthly allowance, paid out quarterly, in addition to their salary. The combined total monthly payment for a driver exceeds Shs 1 million. The statement also mentioned that all judiciary staff members including drivers have access to health insurance services.

On social media platforms, Kisambira has been hailed as brave for exposing the low salaries of judiciary rank-and-file members. A fundraising campaign has been initiated to support Kisambira in obtaining legal representation and welfare. The campaign encourages donations, emphasizing Kisambira’s role as a whistleblower who spoke out about the exploitation of judiciary. The flyer states, “Kisambira is ready to be punished or sacked but won’t be silenced.” 

Anonymous sources, recognizing the sensitivity of the case, have expressed the opinion that the judiciary should have increased Kisambira’s salary instead of handing him over to the police.