Some public servants should prepare for retirement in national interest – Vice President Mutale Nalumango

Some public servants should prepare for retirement in national interest – Vice President

VICE President Mutale Nalumango has urged some public servants to prepare for possible retirement in national interest, saying the measure is provided for under the country’s public service legal framework and may be invoked when necessary.

Nalumango said public officers should understand that retirement in national interest is among the provisions contained in their terms and conditions of service.

“Such decisions could arise from government policy considerations even where an officer has not necessarily committed any wrongdoing,” she said.

The Vice President was responding to concerns in Parliament over reports of public servants being retired in national interest following the general election, with questions raised about the uncertainty facing serving officers and the welfare of those who have lost their jobs.

She acknowledged that the situation is unfortunate but maintained that public servants need to recognise that such changes can occur within the public service.

Nalumango cited Section 4(c) of Part IV of the terms and conditions of service for public service workers, which provides for a service commission to require an established officer to retire in the national interest at the instance of the Government.

“The provision can be applied where an officer is required to take up another appointment outside the public service or for other reasons related to government policy, as provided for under Section 39 of the Public Service Pensions Act,” she explained.

She mentioned that the provision remains part of the existing legal framework and can be invoked when circumstances required it.

A question was also raised in Parliament that a senior police officer in Samfya collapsed and died after reportedly receiving news of his retirement.

However, the Vice President expressed regret over the reported loss of life but urged public service workers to be prepared for the possibility of retirement in national interest.

By Elizabeth Muchape

Kalemba October 16, 2026