Luweero Leaders Urge Retired Civil Servants to Join Associations for Better Welfare

Luweero District leaders are encouraging retired civil servants to join associations to strengthen their collective voice, improve welfare, and address persistent challenges such as delayed pension payments.

The Luweero District Chairperson, Erasto Kibirango, has urged retired government workers to join established associations, emphasizing their role in improving welfare and addressing common challenges, including delayed pension payments.

Kibirango made the remarks in Wobulenzi during a meeting with retired teachers under the Luweero Retired Teachers Association. He noted that such groups are vital in helping retirees remain active, avoid isolation, and continue contributing meaningfully to their communities.

He explained that associations enable retirees to collectively advocate for their pension rights, support one another, and share their expertise in community development.

“There are so many opportunities for retired civil servants within their communities. They can serve on boards of schools and health facilities, among others, and share their knowledge instead of sitting at home, which can lead to boredom and early death,” Kibirango said.

According to district data, Luweero has about 1,057 retired government workers, more than 800 of whom are teachers. However, only about 100 teachers have joined the association, a situation the association’s chairperson, Boniface Ssentongo, described as concerning.

Ssentongo noted that many retired teachers only seek help when they face pension challenges, yet joining the association would give them a stronger collective voice.

“Some retired teachers only come to us when they have challenges in accessing their pension. But as an association, we can speak with one voice and be heard. For example, there is a need for government to increase our pension due to the rising cost of living and inflation affecting the country,” he said.

Retired teachers were also encouraged to participate in government development programmes such as the Parish Development Model and engage in income-generating activities like poultry keeping, livestock farming, and crop cultivation to sustain themselves financially instead of relying entirely on their children.

John Baptist Kyamanywa emphasized the importance of financial independence among retirees.

“As a retired teacher, you must be able to afford at least Shs 10,000 on short notice instead of relying on your children all the time,” he said.

Leaders at the meeting reiterated that active participation in associations not only strengthens retirees’ bargaining power but also enhances their well-being and continued contribution to society.