Pensioners in Kigezi sub region, south western Uganda have called on government to address their concerns regarding accessing their benefits. The pensioners cited issues such as irregular payments and the government’s failure to fulfill its obligation of adjusting their payments in tandem with increments for civil servants. Bertha Babunkiza, a retired Grade II teacher from Kabale District with 25 years of service before retiring in 1989, expressed her struggle with inconsistent pension payments.
While she received gratuity benefits after retirement, her pension payments have posed continuous challenges. “Why has the government not provided me with my full pension payment, as stipulated by the law, especially since I have exceeded 15 years in retirement,”Babunkiza wondered.
She appealed to the government to consider their plight, saying they dedicated their active years to service of the nation. Dr Patrick Kabwiga, the chairperson for Rubanda District pensioners, expressed his distress at witnessing individuals who faithfully served the country facing difficulties in their retirement. Silver Baguma, chairperson for Kigezi pensioners, highlighted their efforts in approaching various authorities to address their concerns, but they have not received adequate assistance.
According to sources, the Ministry of Finance often cites insufficient funds as a reason for not fully addressing their concerns. Uganda’s Pensions Act is applicable to various sectors, including civil servants, teachers, police officers, prison officers, and others, the act outlines conditions for pension eligibility.
According to the act, officers who have served the government for ten years or more may be granted a pension at retirement. The pension is calculated as an annual rate of one five-hundredth of the officer’s pensionable emoluments. The latest version of the act, as of June 28, 2018, was amended by the Pensions Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Instrument, 2018.
The Ministry of Public service decentralized pension related issues to the districts Public Service Commission however the challenge has remained consistent to date. Our efforts to talk with the Ministry of Public Service were futile by the time this report was filed.
