KAMPALA – The Ugandan government has initiated the process of paying pensions to former employees of the East African Community (EAC), following the provisions of the 1984 Mediation Agreement.
Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi announced that the government has introduced the EAC Mediation Bill to Parliament to resolve inconsistencies in the agreement that previously hindered payments.
Speaking to journalists, Kafuuzi explained that some employees had received their pensions and gratuities in the absence of a structured payment system. “At that time, there were no structures to pay, but I know some of the workers were paid, though others had passed on,” he said.
He dismissed claims of government delays in paying the beneficiaries, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate. “The government is committed to seeing that all the former workers get their benefits. The EAC was not there then, but now that it’s in place, the workers will be paid,” Kafuuzi added, also noting his role as the MP for Kyaka South County.
Committee Chairperson James Nsaba Buturo welcomed the members’ submissions, stating that they would collect and present the views to Parliament.
Kole North MP Samuel Opio Acuti highlighted the importance of the amendments to address the grievances of the former EAC workers. He noted that many have passed on without receiving their benefits, while those still alive are demanding their dues.
Acuti proposed incorporating the amendments into the bill and suggested that the payments be included in the public debt to ensure prioritization. He added that a 7 percent interest rate on the benefits would address inflation concerns. “Previously, the challenge was that the staff could not get their terminal benefits because there was no legal framework. For 47 years, time has now come; the law is here and should be passed,” he said.
Mawogola North MP Shartsi Musherure praised the government for introducing the bill and urged Ugandans to trust Parliament. “We request you to be patient with us. We are interested in fast-tracking the bill. We will ensure we invite other parties involved to come and give their views so we come up with a good law,” she said.
State Minister of East African Community Affairs James Magode Ikuya supported the committee’s submissions and emphasized the need for regulatory measures to ensure workers are paid according to the law. “The government desires paying all the workers because it’s important to have a regulation in place so that they are paid according to the law,” Ikuya stated.
Kenya and Tanzania have already enacted similar laws, while Uganda is just beginning the process. The East African Community Mediation Agreement Bill, 2024, was tabled for the First Reading in October by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga.
The bill aims to give legal effect to the East African Community Mediation Agreement signed on May 14, 1984, by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Speaker of Parliament Anita Among referred the bill to the Committee on East African Community Affairs for further scrutiny.
