UNZA Arrears Crisis
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 - (10-06-2026) -- The University of Zambia Lecturers and Researchers Union () has demanded the immediate payment of long-outstanding terminal benefits, pensions, and gratuities owed to University of Zambia staff, some dating back to 2012.
UNZALARU President Prof. Andrew Phiri said the arrears include terminal benefits, gratuities, and pension contributions due from as far back as 2016, with some pension payments extending to 2021.
He said these are lawful entitlements earned through public service and warned that delays have caused serious financial hardship for both retired and serving staff.
Prof. Phiri said the union has repeatedly engaged government over the matter, including discussions on higher education financing reforms and debt restructuring for the university.
He said attempts to secure an audience with President Hakainde Hichilema have not succeeded, despite expectations of an open-door policy.
He also said a planned peaceful march to State House was blocked by police, and that no meaningful progress has been made despite earlier assurances of dialogue.
Prof. Phiri said many workers are now in severe financial distress, with some retirees unable to afford basic needs such as medical care, rent, and school fees.
He said several former staff members have died before receiving their benefits, leaving families waiting for payments.
He also cited a case of a staff member who died in 2021, whose dues were only partly paid this year, showing delays even in processing terminal benefits after death.
Prof. Phiri said UNZALARU estimates the total outstanding liability at over K1.3 billion. He noted that government has released about K500 million since 2021, but said this is not enough to clear the backlog.
He warned that continued delays are reducing the real value of the benefits due to inflation and rising living costs.
Prof. Phiri urged government to urgently settle the arrears, saying the situation is worsening hardship among affected staff and retirees.
He said similar debt settlements have been made for other public institutions such as local authorities, Zambia Railways, TAZARA, and ZAMPOST, and questioned why UNZA has been left out.
Prof. Phiri also raised concern over what he called inconsistencies in public spending priorities, including constituency funding, election-related spending, and benefits for constitutional office holders.
He said even former Members of Parliament have complained about delayed gratuities, yet UNZA staff continue to wait for their dues.
He warned that the situation could undermine the stability of public universities and the sustainability of free education policies.
Prof. Phiri said UNZALARU leadership remains committed to pushing for a resolution of the matter.
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