Pensioners from the Kigezi sub-region have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as government’s continued mishandling of their pension and gratuity payments.
The retirees have petitioned the Ministry of Public Service and Cabinet Affairs, accusing authorities of neglecting their welfare through delayed disbursements and failure to revise their benefits in line with inflation.
Silver Baguma, Chairperson of the Greater Kigezi Pensioners Association, said they previously petitioned the ministry seeking an increment to match the rising cost of living but have now waited more than five years without any response.
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His concerns were echoed by Evalyne Katushabe from Rukiga District, who accused the government of unequal treatment.
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David Byamugisha, Chairperson of Kabale Municipality Pensioners, added that even the benefits they are already entitled to take too long to be released.
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However, Western Region Elder’s Member of Parliament, Joram Tibasiimwa, acknowledged the pensioners’ concerns, noting that the issue has been raised repeatedly in government forums.
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Under Uganda’s Pension Act, Chapter 286, any individual who has served in government for at least ten years is entitled to pension benefits upon retirement. However, Kigezi pensioners insist that without timely and equitable payments, the law remains meaningless to their livelihoods.
They are now calling on the government to urgently revise and clear outstanding pension arrears to restore dignity to those who spent their productive years serving the nation.
