1039 updf officers and Militants retired by UPDF
One thousand thirty-nine officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) have honorably retired from active services.
The retired officers have spent between 20 to 40 years of service to the nation and the region.
UPDF spokesperson Brigadier Richard Karimire told Whisper Eye News that due to the COVID-19 situation in the country, the retirement ceremonies were conducted in eleven centers across the country to ensure social distancing as a preventive measure to the pandemic.
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,” says Brigadier Karemire
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 CLF 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,” Lt Gen Elwelu said.
“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,” he added.
He also urged them to continue promoting peace and security while in their communities and shun all those that are deemed to create instability in the country.
Lt Gen Elwelu urged them to be ambassadors of government in spreading the messages aimed at protecting the people of Uganda against COVID-19.
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.
In Nakasongola, Brig Gen David Isimbwa (DAAC-LF) who represented the Nakasongola cantonment congratulated the Officers and men for their contribution in the liberation struggle of Uganda, and the region Headquarters.
Since 1986 after the National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Museveni captured power, president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has built the NRA into the professional disciplined force the UPDF celebrated in the East and Central Africa.
