Mukono District Equips Civil Servants with Survival Skills in Pre-Retirement Training

Mukono District Headquarters:

 As part of its ongoing commitment to promote preparedness and well-being among its workforce, Mukono District Local Government, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Service, has conducted a comprehensive pre-retirement training session for civil servants nearing the end of their service.

Held at the district headquarter CAO’s’ boardroom, the training attracted civil servants from multiple departments including Works and Engineering, Natural Resources, Production, and Education. The session focused on empowering participants with essential survival, financial planning, and life skills to help them transition into retirement smoothly.

Mr. Kamara Daniel, the Principal Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk to Council, officiated the opening on behalf of Chief Administrative Officer Ms. Elizabeth Namanda. He commended the Human Resource team led by Mr. Kazibwe Stephen for organizing the training and emphasized that retirement planning should begin from the day one joins public service. "When you leave the job, the calls from public service stop and so do the benefits that came with your position. It’s important to plan ahead to avoid becoming irrelevant or struggling financially," he advised.

Mr. George William Magera, Chairperson for Pensioners in Mukono, echoed these sentiments, urging the soon-to-retire employees to identify alternative sources of income and avoid rushing into business ventures they don't understand. "The public will forget your contributions quickly; only good planning can protect you from post-retirement poverty," he warned.

The Commissioner in Charge of Compensation and Pensions at the Ministry of Public Service, Mr. Bua Victor Leku, gave an in-depth presentation on retirement dynamics. He emphasized that retirement should not be viewed as an end but a transition. He advised retirees to be vigilant against financial scammers—some of whom, he noted, are sadly close family members. “Some pensioners lose their lump sum within a week due to lack of information and poor decisions,” he said.

Hon. Jorem Kabali Kimera, Vice Chairperson of Mukono District and Secretary for Finance and Administration, represented District Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa. He praised the initiative and advised retirees to embrace retirement positively. "I’m still in active service, but I count myself a beneficiary of this training," he noted. He also jokingly warned against jumping into modern-day politics, saying, "It’s now a high-risk gamble that can cost you everything."

Among the key facilitators were Rtn. Peter Kiwumulo, a former lecturer at Uganda Christian University, and Mr. Kizito Robert Mugerwa, former Principal Assistant Secretary of Mukono District. Mr. Kizito urged retirees to secure stable homes, clear education expenses for dependents, maintain strong social networks, and reduce debt burdens. He further advised avoiding harmful lifestyle habits like alcohol and tobacco, which can worsen mental and physical health in old age.

Mr. Kiwumulo offered a message of hope: “Retirement is a new beginning filled with grace and dignity. Join a church, a club, or a community group and continue living a purposeful life. But never rush into business without understanding it.”

The District Natural Resource officer,Mr. William Mujuni encouraged his colleagues to plant trees on their land to deter land grabbers.

Meanwhile, Ms. Namuganza Zaina Sebidde from the Human Resource Department warned against falsifying age a practice that, she said, only delays pension processing.

Mr. Kazibwe Stephen, the Principal Human Resource Officer, expressed appreciation to all facilitators and emphasized the district's commitment to supporting both pre-retirement and post-retirement education. “We have a pre-retirement curriculum for those still in service and a post-retirement curriculum for those already retired. It’s all about ensuring a smooth and meaningful transition,” he noted.

This timely and insightful training has not only broadened the perspectives of Mukono District’s civil servants but has also reignited a culture of early planning, self-reflection, and dignity in retirement. As Uganda’s public workforce continues to age, such initiatives are crucial in ensuring that retirement becomes not a period of despair, but a fulfilling new chapter of life anchored in stability, purpose, and respect