Uganda’s retired judges get even more benefits than former presidents, speakers

As Ugandans continue to express concern over the controversial handover of Shs 2.5 billion worth of luxurious vehicles to former speakers of parliament by Speaker Anita Annet Among, they may be further disheartened when learning about the significant retirement benefits provided to judges.

Retirement Benefits for Judges:

Among the three branches of government, the judiciary offers the most lucrative retirement perks. According to the Administration of the Judiciary Act, 2020, a retired chief justice is entitled to a monthly salary equivalent to that of a serving chief justice.

Additionally, a retired chief justice receives a one-off lump sum retirement benefit, calculated as 2.4 per cent of their annual salary multiplied by five and the years of service. For instance, Chief Justice Alphonse Owinyi-Dollo, currently earning Shs 20 million per month, will receive Shs 172.8 million upon retirement in 2026, considering seven years as chief justice. This figure increases when factoring in his 18 years of service since his 2008 appointment.

Other benefits for a retired chief justice include a furnished house or a one-off payment of twenty thousand currency points (equivalent to Shs 400 million), an annual medical allowance matching that of a sitting chief justice, a chauffeur-driven car or a one-off payment of ten thousand currency points (equivalent to Shs 200 million).

Additionally, a retired chief justice enjoys state security, two domestic servants, or a monthly payment of Shs 300,000. Other perks include a fuel and vehicle repairs allowance of Shs 2 million per month, airtime, and internet for Shs 220,000. These benefits extend to the deputy chief justice, mirroring those of the sitting deputy chief justice.

The retirement benefits for Supreme Court justices are 80 per cent of the salary of sitting justices, resembling those of the chief justice with varying amounts. The same benefits apply to retired judges from the Court of Appeal and High Court.

In Defense of Vehicle Giveaway:

In justifying the giveaway of vehicles to former speakers, Among asserts adherence to the Parliamentary Pensions Act of 2022, first written in 2007 and amended in 2022 to include former speakers from 1980 to 2007.

Retirement Benefits for Presidents:

Under the Emoluments and Benefits of the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister Act, 2010, a retired president receives an allowance equivalent to 60 per cent of the serving president’s salary, a fully-furnished house, and a one-off Shs 20 million with subsequent Shs 10 million every five years for furniture replacement. Other perks include a chauffeur-driven car replaced every five years, medical care, government-paid security guards, utilities allowance, two domestic staff, and first-class travel for official business.

Retirement Benefits for Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers:

Former vice presidents receive a monthly pension equivalent to 60 per cent of the serving vice president’s gross salary, Shs 300 million for a house, a chauffeur-driven car, medical care, security guards, utilities allowance, domestic staff, and furniture replacement every five years.

Similarly, former prime ministers enjoy a monthly pension, house allowance, chauffeur-driven car, medical care, security guards, utilities allowance, domestic staff, and furniture replacement.

Speakers’ Benefits:

According to the Parliamentary Pensions Act of 2022, retired speakers receive monetary and non-monetary benefits, including a monthly allowance, a four-wheel chauffeur-driven car replaced every five years, security guards, domestic staff, medical care, and utilities allowance.

Speaker Among clarified that the cars remain government property, with maintenance and driver allowances covered by the Parliamentary Commission. Vehicle replacement occurs every five years, aligning with government transport policy.

While the law dates back to 2007, public outrage, fueled by the recent high-profile vehicle handover, indicates a lack of awareness. The law entitles retired speakers to a monthly allowance equal to 60 per cent of the sitting speaker’s salary, a four-wheel chauffeur-driven car, security guards, domestic staff, and utilities allowance.

It’s worth noting that the retirement benefits for speakers and deputies, while substantial, pale in comparison to those of the president, vice president, prime minister, chief justice, deputy chief justice, and various judges.