Work and compensation have always been, and always will be, a volatile topic. “How much should we pay you?” is a tough question to answer when you finally land one of the few jobs in Uganda, but what’s even tougher is the conversation where you request a raise. So much so that many people remain stagnant because they fear bringing it up, hoping the employer takes the initiative. Well, sometimes the initiative never happens. You remain frustrated, half-fulfilled at the workplace, and silently wonder if all your hard work will ever translate into better pay.
So today, let’s go through the tough stuff—how to actually ask for a raise in Uganda, and not just ask, but negotiate like a pro. Whether you’re in a corporate role, a startup, or even NGO work, understanding your value and making a case for it is something everyone should master, so here are a few job tips on negotiating a higher salary in Uganda.
Step One: Know Your Value—Then Prove It
Before you ever schedule that meeting, perform a deep analysis of your own performance. What projects have you aced? Have you saved the company time or money? Increased efficiency? Secured clients? Managed crises like a champ? Write all this down.
Think of it as building a personal case file, complete with achievements, stats, and even positive feedback from colleagues or supervisors. This is your ammo. Without it, the conversation turns into wishful thinking. With it, you’re making sure you are of concrete value, and thus, when your worth is questioned, you already know what to present to defend yourself.
Step Two: Understand the Job Market
One of the most awkward parts of salary negotiations is not knowing if you’re asking for too much or too little. Do your homework. Check platforms like BrighterMonday Uganda, Glassdoor, and even talk to peers in your industry (discreetly, of course). What’s the average going rate for someone in your role, with your level of experience? (For instance, a Mid-level accountant in Kampala earns about UGX 1.8 million per month).
Additionally, factor in your company’s financial status. If your employer is clearly cutting costs, negotiating a higher salary might not be feasible. But if things are looking great, you have more room to stretch.
Step Three: Choose The Right Time to Ask for a Raise
Timing matters more than most people realise. The best time to bring up salary talks? Right after you’ve delivered something major, maybe you wrapped up a big project, closed a deal, or received glowing praise. Alternatively, during annual performance reviews or when budget planning is happening are prime windows.
Avoid times when the company is in crisis mode, or your boss is clearly under pressure. Read the room, literally.
Step Four: Build Your Pitch
This is where you get strategic. Your pitch should be a blend of facts (your contributions), market research (what others in your role earn), and clarity (what you’re asking for and why).
Here’s an example: “Over the past year, I’ve taken on additional responsibilities, including managing the social media accounts and redesigning our monthly newsletter, which has led to a 40% increase in engagement. I’d like to revisit my compensation to better reflect the value I’m bringing to the team.
Clear. Professional. Justified!
Step Five: Don’t Just Talk Money
Yes, a higher salary is the goal, but if the company genuinely can’t afford it right now, consider other forms of compensation. Could you negotiate for remote workdays? Additional leave? Training opportunities or even a new title that sets you up for a future raise?
Flexibility shows you’re solution-oriented, not just money-hungry.
What to Avoid at All Costs During Higher Salary Negotiations
Don’t compare yourself to colleagues. It turns the conversation into gossip, not negotiation.
Don’t make ultimatums. Threats like “give me a raise or I’ll quit” rarely work out well unless you’re truly ready to leave.
Don’t base your ask on personal problems. Your landlord raising rent isn’t your employer’s responsibility. Keep it professional.
Don’t go in blind. Walking into a salary conversation unprepared is like skydiving without a parachute.
And lastly, Closed Mouths Don’t Get Fed
It might feel awkward. You might sweat through your shirt. But asking for a raise isn’t a crime, it’s a skill. One that takes practice, guts, and a bit of strategic finesse.
If you’ve done the work, added value, and prepared your case, you have every right to speak up. And even if you don’t get the raise immediately, you’ve set the stage for the next opportunity. Because in the game of work and compensation, silence rarely wins.
