Shs500 billion pension arrears: UPDF to verify veterans, servicemen
Mr Adolf Mwesige, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs
The army has started a nation-wide verification exercise of all unpaid ex-servicemen.
Mr Adolf Mwesige, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs in a Wednesday statement said the exercise will target unpaid military veterans and beneficiaries of deceased soldiers who lack necessary documents.
According to the Defence Ministry, there are at least 79,084 army veterans who have not received their pension and gratuity arrears worth Shs500 billion.
The verification exercise that starts on Thursday will end on April 13, in 10 zones across Uganda.
Regional zonal leaders have been appointed to work closely with the existing 39 zonal pension officers for efficiency.
Maj Dick Kaija Kirya will oversee the registration and verification exercise in Rwenzori region, Maj Fred Kasimoni Mushambo will oversee Ankole/Kigezi region, Maj Samuel Ssekamwa is in charge of West Buganda while Maj Robert Lutaaya will be in charge of East Buganda.
Capt Samuel Kabiseku (Busoga), Maj Martin Komakech (Acholi/Lango), Maj Fred Mayeku( Bugisu/Bukedi), Capt Moses Emeju(Teso), Capt Mike Jackson (Karamoja) whereas Maj Milly Anhulima lead the West Nile exercise.
All unpaid ex-servicemen including living veterans, estates of veterans deceased in retirement, estates of officers and militants deceased while in active service have also been asked to liaise with the regional team leaders and zonal UPDF pension officers for assistance.
Claimants for death pension and gratuities, executioners or administrators of the estates have been asked to obtain certified letters of administration.
Those to be paid under ex gratia category include documented living veterans of World War II as in May 2010, Uganda Army, Uganda National Liberation Army and documented Not Yet Available as in May 2010.
Mr Mwesige has tasked all Resident District Commissioners, Local Council V Chairpersons, Local Government officials and District Internal Security Officers to ensure a successful implementation of the exercise.
