Lamwo district council has approved a draft retirement plan targeting 15 civil servants expected to retire during the 2026/2027 financial year as part of a broader human resource transition and workforce planning strategy.
The retirement plan mainly affects officers in the education and health sectors, with district authorities saying the initiative is intended to ensure smooth transition in public service while maintaining efficiency in service delivery across departments.
Among those listed for retirement are Abonga Johnson, Obita Wilson, Olanya Darius, Oola Jimmy, Otika Tonny, and Oringa Benson Richard Dew, all serving as Education Assistants in the district education department.
Other officers include Langoya Denis, an Assistant Education Officer; Komakech Joshua Asiimwe, a Senior Clinical Officer; and Okeny James P’Olum, a Primary School Head Teacher.
Senior Education Assistants expected to retire include Okeny John Charles, Ocaya David Amacha, Okene Cosmas Lucero, and Amigo Emmly Okello. Also on the list are Ochola Ben and Odara D.L. Sunrise, both serving as Primary School Health Teachers.
The draft retirement plan was presented before council by Secretary for Finance, Planning and Administration, Odongmadiki David, who said the district was taking deliberate steps to prepare early for the retirement of long-serving civil servants.
According to Odongmadiki, the advance planning will enable the district to adequately prepare retirement packages, including gratuity and pension benefits, while minimizing delays that have in the past affected retirees in various local governments.
“This arrangement gives the district enough time to prepare retirement packages early and ensure that officers receive their benefits in time. It also allows the affected staff to prepare themselves financially and personally for life after public service,” Odongmadiki said.
He noted that the retirement exercise would also create room for recruitment of new personnel, particularly young professionals, to strengthen service delivery in schools, health facilities, and other district departments.
Odongmadiki further revealed that some of the retiring officers may still be considered for appointment to other public institutions depending on their conduct, experience, and performance during their years of service.
“Some of them can still serve the district in other capacities after retirement. They may be appointed to the District Service Commission, District Land Board, or other governance structures based on their integrity and performance record,” he added.
District council speaker Ochola James praised the council for approving the retirement plan, saying the move demonstrates proper planning and responsible management of human resources within the district.
Ochola described retirement as a normal transition in public service that should be handled with dignity and respect for officers who have dedicated many years to serving the community.
“These officers have contributed greatly to education, healthcare, and the growth of Lamwo district. Planning for their retirement early is important because it helps avoid administrative challenges and delays in accessing their benefits,” he said.
The speaker also urged technical departments to ensure proper documentation and timely processing of retirement files to prevent unnecessary inconveniences for retirees.
Meanwhile, Lamwo district chairperson Oyet Sisto Ocen said the district remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of civil servants while ensuring continuity in service delivery.
Oyet noted that teachers and health workers have played a significant role in supporting development and improving social services across the district over the years.
“Our teachers and health workers have sacrificed a lot to serve communities across Lamwo. As they retire, we must appreciate their contribution and ensure they leave public service honorably and with dignity,” he said.
He further appealed to the central government to continue supporting local governments with adequate wage allocations to enable districts to recruit replacements in time.
District authorities said the draft retirement plan will still undergo further review and approval by relevant district authorities before full implementation during the 2026/2027 financial year.
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