Mega Fm & Agency
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has cautioned retiring senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers against mismanaging their retirement benefits, urging them to plan carefully for life after military service.
Gen. Muhoozi made the remarks on Wednesday during the official retirement ceremony for Batch 16 at the UPDF Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. He urged the retirees to invest prudently, maintain financial discipline and prioritise their health as they transition into civilian life.
Gen. Muhoozi also encouraged the officers to view retirement not as the end of their service to the country, but as a transition into civic leadership and a new opportunity to contribute through their experience, wisdom, unity and discipline.
A total of 229 senior officers retired during the ceremony, including 24 Colonels, 49 Lieutenant Colonels and 156 Majors. Maj Gen James Kinalwa, the UPDF Joint Staff Human Resource Management, described retirement as an important milestone for any public servant, providing an opportunity to spend time with family, reflect on years of service, and begin a new chapter through learning and new initiatives.
Gen. Muhoozi also paid tribute to the families of the retiring officers for enduring prolonged separations and the difficult conditions associated with military service. “Military service demands uncommon discipline, resilience, and sacrifice. It requires long separations from family, service in difficult environments, and a constant readiness to place duty above personal comfort. Today this honour belongs to them as well,” he said.
On the growth of the UPDF, Muhoozi said the force had evolved from a liberation movement into one of Africa’s respected defence forces as a result of the sacrifice, loyalty and discipline of its officers and soldiers. He, however, warned that emerging security threats require the UPDF to remain technologically capable and adaptable, particularly in dealing with terrorism, cybercrime and climate-related disasters.
“From its origin in the liberation struggle, our force has grown into one of the most professional militaries on the African continent. We must continue modernising our force, embracing innovation, strengthening joint operations, and maintaining the highest standards of discipline, accountability and readiness,” Muhoozi said.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Col Kajungu Rutiinampora pledged that the retired officers would continue to serve as ambassadors of the UPDF and support civil-military cooperation in their communities. The ceremony concluded with Gen. Kainerugaba, Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Air Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi, SFC Commander Maj Gen Asaph Mweteise and other senior officers bidding farewell to the retirees as they marched out of Mbuya headquarters into civilian life.
The Batch 16 retirement exercise covers 1,791 personnel across the UPDF. Of these, 222 senior officers from the rank of Major to Colonel have been officially sent off at Mbuya Military Headquarters. A further 205 junior officers and 1,364 soldiers have retired from various formations and units across the country. Nineteen generals are yet to receive their official ceremonial send-off, which is expected to take place later this month.
The senior officers awaiting their ceremonial retirement include former CDF Gen Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Maj Gen Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, former CMI chief Brig Stephen Kashure, former Deputy CMI chief Brig Charles Bakahumura, Brig Charles Asiimwe Kahangire, and Brig Fred Rugandya Akiiki, among others.
