MPs query gov’t on former VP Ssekandi’s retirement benefits

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances has queried the ministry of public service over the delayed payment of retirement benefits to the former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi.

Committee members claim the former vice president is surviving miserably with a dilapidated car yet his security was also cut.

After serving as Vice President of the Republic of Uganda for 10 years, Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi was dropped by President Museveni in June this year.

While interfacing with officials of the Ministry of Public Service led by the Minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa, members of the parliamentary committee on government assurance expressed concerns that the government has delayed paying Ssekandi his retirement benefits which has exposed him to a miserable life.

Joseph Sewungu, Vice-Chairperson Committee on Government Assurances says he is a close friend to the former Vice president, and he can confirm that the situation is bad for him.

The minister of public service, Muruli Mukasa and the undersecretary of the ministry, Emanuel Fred Mugunga conceded that Ssekandi is yet to receive much of his retirement benefits but his monthly payment has been processed.

Under the emolument and benefits of the President, Vice President and Prime Ministers’ Act of 2010, vice presidents are entitled to a house, a vehicle, monthly pay, medical allowances and security among other things.

The committee pressed the ministry of public service into a commitment to pay the former Vice President Ssekandi all his emoluments before the end of this year.

Public service also revealed plans to pay the former speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga, her retirement benefits despite the fact that she is still in public service.

The committee has also learnt that government is going to spend 10Bn shillings on the process of rationalising a number of government entities.

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