Kampala — THE Government has released money to clear the arrears of 1,142 pensioners, a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Service said. The money has already been credited to the beneficiaries' accounts.

According to the list, the beneficiaries previously worked for various Government departments and local governments. By July, pension arrears stood at sh130b. By last month, the Government had already paid 700 pensioners.

There are over 55,000 pensioners, almost half of whom have not yet accessed their gratuity. According to the finance ministry, payments through pensioners' accounts are aimed at weeding out "ghost" pensioners.

State minister for public service, Seezi Mbaguta, told the New Vision that the Government will be releasing sh3b every three months.

Her ministry hoped to solve the problem of pension arrears as soon as the Auditor General completes a forensic audit of previous funds to ensure that there are no illegal payments or 'ghosts', she noted.