Senior Reporter
Retired clerics associated with the Diocese of Kigezi Retired Clergy Association in the Greater Kabale District of southwestern Uganda have expressed dissatisfaction with their exclusion from government initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Rtd Rev Esau Habomugisha voiced his frustration, stating that despite multiple attempts, he has been unable to join PDM groups as Parish Chiefs informed him of his ineligibility based on PDM rules. The PDM initiative, introduced by the Ugandan government, aims to transition the 39% of the population still reliant on subsistence farming into the monetary economy.
Rev. Habomugisha emphasized the need for government support for retired clergy, noting that many of them served the church without substantial pensions to rely on in their retirement.
Retired Reverend Canon Steven Warren Turyomwe called on the government to exempt retired clergy from taxes if they are unable to benefit from its programs. He highlighted the lack of a systematic arrangement for retired clergy in the Church of Uganda, contrasting it with the Catholic Church’s support system for its retired priests. Canon Turyomwe emphasized that ministers often dedicate their entire careers to the ministry, neglecting to plan for retirement.
Diocesan secretary Rev Canon Milton Nkurunungi acknowledged the absence of a specific program for retired clergy within the diocese. However, he pointed out the existence of a Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO), encouraging both retired and active clergy to participate by acquiring shares and obtaining loans for income-generating projects.
Bakak Ronald, Deputy RDC Kabale District, countered claims of the retired clergy being excluded from government programs, stating that PDM guidelines focus on household subsistence status rather than individual characteristics. He urged retired clergy to join PDM groups if they qualify under the criteria of falling within the 39 percent of subsistence households.
The Diocese of Kigezi has over 100 retired clergy, each entitled to a monthly stipend of Ugx 100,000.
