Parliament will adopt the proposal to see that the retirement benefits for Uganda’s Auditor General, ensure good provisions for the nation’s public servants.
The motion was brought to attention by Hon. Henry Musasiz the Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), and also seconded by Hon. Amos Kankunda, the Rwampara County MP, aimed to address the post-retirement provisions outlined in Section 5 of the National Audit Act, 2008.
The motion underscored the importance of ensuring equitable treatment for the Auditor General, a key figure appointed to oversee the nation’s financial accountability.
In her opening statement preceding the debate on the motion, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among acknowledged the commendable service of the current Auditor General while emphasizing the importance of legislation that would apply to all future appointees to the position.
“The current Auditor General has demonstrated exemplary service since 2001. Throughout his tenure, there have been a notable expansion in the external audit functions across the government. It is fitting for this Parliament to establish a precedent regarding the retirement benefits for all future Auditor Generals,” she remarked.
The proposed resolution, presented by Musasizi, outlined a comprehensive package of benefits for retiring Auditors General. This package included a monthly retirement benefit equivalent to the salary of an incumbent Auditor General, provision of a furnished house or a lump sum payment for accommodation, an annual medical allowance, as well as arrangements for transportation, security, and funeral expenses.
Musasizi emphasized the significance of investing in retirement benefits for the Auditor General, highlighting its role in ensuring the effectiveness, integrity, and stability of the government’s auditing function.
Honorable Kankunda, in seconding the motion, underscored the necessity of clearly delineating post-retirement benefits for the current Auditor General, who has served diligently for over two decades.
During the deliberations, Honorable Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition, raised concerns regarding the need for a uniform approach to allocating benefits to all public servants, advocating for a holistic formula.
Nathan Nandala-Mafabi proposed a retirement pay equivalent to 50,000 currency points, or approximately Shs1 billion, in recognition of the Auditor General’s exemplary service. However, his suggestion to term the package as a ‘handshake’ was not endorsed by the members.
Musasizi suggested reducing the retirement pay to 25,000 currency points, equivalent to Shs500 million.
Christine Kaaya proposed that Parliament consider a percentage-based approach to account for inflation, rather than specifying a fixed amount.
Responding to the call for a structured approach, Jonathan Odur proposed a framework for determining retirement benefits based on a percentage of the retiring Auditor General’s annual salary, multiplied by five and the years of service.
“I suggest an 80 percent allocation, as opposed to the Minister’s proposal of 100 percent,” Odur stated.
Echoing Odur’s sentiments, Nandala-Mafabi stressed the importance of equitable treatment, particularly given the Auditor General’s oversight role over high-ranking officials.
Honorable Musasizi supported Nandala-Mafabi’s proposal, emphasizing the necessity of a structured approach to meet the retirement needs of Auditors General.
Following the consensus reached on the proposed framework, the Speaker presided over the final vote, resulting in the unanimous adoption of the motion with the suggested amendments.
