Retired police officers unwilling to vacate barracks

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Aswa river region police leadership has launched an outreach programme to sensitize retired police officers and their spouses to prepare for life outside Uganda Police force.

This follows the failure by dozens of retired police officers to vacate police barracks after being discharged from duty. The integrated month-long programme is being spearheaded by Ezekiel Emitu, the Aswa River Region Police Commander – RPC. The programme will cover all districts under Aswa river region police including Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Amuru, Nwoya, Agago, Lamwo and Omoro.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River Region Police spokesperson disclosed to URN that the team commenced the sensitization programme in Amuru, Omoro and Nwoya police stations before heading to Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader and Agago in Acholi East.

Okema, who declined to divulge the number of the affected officers argued that the retirees are adamant to leave the barracks because they didn’t prepare for life outside the force.

One of the officers who retired on February told URN on condition of anonymity that he can’t leave the barracks until after receiving his pension and gratuity. He says the coronavirus disease- COVID-19 has made it difficult for him to relocate his family.

The minimum age for retirement from formal employment in Uganda is 55 years. Employees can retire voluntarily by resigning or retire before the minimum retirement age or when they are terminated. However, many people don’t plan early enough for their retirement.

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