Overhaul Pensions System

THE Inspector General of Government (IGG) has issued a damning report on the embezzlement of teachers pension in Masaka District.For a long time these senior citizens had complained of corruption in the district office and at the pensions department in the Ministry of Public Service.The Ombudsman unearthed a number of ghosts on the pensions payroll and cases of double payments. It was also found out that some pensioners were deliberately underpaid and others over paid.The IGG singled out a case of outright embezzlement where Loy Ntende, a former accountant in Education Ministry got sh5.2m meant for five pensioners and never remitted the money to the bona fide recipients.The IGG has recommended that Ntende be sacked and prosecuted. He also recommended other disciplinary measures against those involved in the fraud.The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service must now act promptly if he is not to be seen as condoning corruption. The whole pensions department also needs an overhaul.Ends