Well Served! UPDF Retires 1036 Officers From Active Service In Seven Divisions

Due to the COVID-19 situation in the country, the retirement ceremonies were conducted in eleven centers across the country to ensure social distance.

The Commander Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj Gen James Birungi presided over the ceremony for the retirees under his command at Entebbe SFC Headquarters whereas the Deputy Commander Air Forces, Major General Tumusiime Katsigazi presided over the ceremony for Air Forces personnel at Entebbe Air Forces Headquarters.

All the Division Commanders presided over the function or were represented by senior Officials in their areas of responsibilities in Masindi, Kakiri, Mbarara, Mbale, Gulu, Pader and Kabarole respectively.

The biggest number; 362 Officers and Militants were retired from Land Forces Head Quarters in Bombo where the Commander Land Forces (CLF), Lt Gen Peter Elwelu was the chief guest.

The Chief of Land Forces urged the retirees to consider being there for their families as one of the core issues to do on retirement. “You have been very busy and did not have time for your families,now you finally have the time,” he said adding that the retirees need to stay in their villages and concentrate on agriculture which is the backbone of Uganda’s economy and not run to the cities.

The senior most retiree Col Stephen Kato thanked the UPDF leadership for providing the retirement schedule three to four years in advance that enables the retirees to appropriately prepare for their next life. He said the retirees have got many experiences, learnt skills while in the force that will be beneficial in their future engagements.

In Kakiri, Maj Gen Sam Kawaga told the retirees to walk with their heads high for having served in and been part of a great force, the UPDF. “This force has contributed to peace and security in Uganda and beyond and it is just wonderful that you have been part of that journey.” He said. He added that their retirement is the normal journey of every soldier; recruitment, service and finally retirement.

In Kabarole, Brig Gen Moses Kwikiriza told the retirees that retirement does not mean being tired. “Stay safe and remain focused, work hard to improve on your livelihood using your packages,” he said. Brig Kwikiriza further advised retirees not to live a reckless life that would expose them to dangers such as HIV. “The country wants you healthy, alive and as law a bidding citizens engaging in productive activities,” he said.

In Mbale, Brig Gen Joseph Balikuddembe thanked the retirees for selfless service rendered to the country and advised them not to be lured into subversive activities. “You have done a great job especially in fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army and insurgencies in Eastern Uganda. It is for these efforts rendered that the country is now stable. You are leaving us better than you started, thank you comrades and may you go in peace,” said Brig Gen Balikuddembe.

In Masindi,on behalf of Maj Gen Sam Okiding, the 101 Artillery Brigade Commander, Brig Gen. Dan Kakono, told the retirees to maintain their military discipline as a means to prosper in civilian life. He urged them to continue embracing patriotism, nationalism and Pan-Africanism. He told them to further promote democracy and socio-economic transformation in their communities.

In Pader, Brig Gen Michael Kabango told the retiring officers and militants to desist from indiscipline acts that might block their chances of being recalled for other special assignments by the army and asked them to keep fit through a healthy living. “The struggle in your lives is not yet over. You must be productive at all times and be good leaders as you interface with the community,” he said.