Ghosts: Kagadi pensioners told to brace for headcount

Local Government in Kagadi has asked pensioners across the district to prepare for a nationwide headcount.

The exercise, slated for July 8, is being organised in conjunction with the office of the Attorney General to weed out 'ghost' pensioners.

Pensioners are encouraged to prepare their confirmation letters, first appointment letters, retirement letters, national identity card, letter of administration but also prepare any other documents confirming their retirement not limited to pay slip.

Speaking to Nile Post, George Gulyetonda, the Kagadi district communications officer, said the exercise aims at eliminating ghost pensioners from the payroll like the exercise has been in those still in active Public service.

"We want to encourage pensioners not to take this for granted, because government is trying to verify right people in the system," he said.

"We know there is been a lot of complaints about ghost pensioners, so take lightly at your own risk you may end up being deleted from the payroll, endeavor to verify your names," Gulyetonda added.

Pensioners have been asked to be ready and alert for the specific date of verification in Kagadi will start.

In March, a group of pensioners in the Kigezi sub-region has urged government to address persistent challenges they face in trying to claim their benefits.

The pensioners cited issues such as irregular payments and the government's alleged failure to fulfill its obligation of adjusting their payments in tandem with increments for civil servants.

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.