By Michael Ojokk & Agency
The Paramount Chief of Acholi, Rwot David Onen Acana II, has rallied his subjects to celebrate the retirement of Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Gen Otema Awany, who has served in various capacities in the UPDF, including his latest assignment as Commander of the UPDF Reserve Forces, is due to retire this week.
A major homecoming celebration scheduled for August 28 has been organised at Kaunda Parade Ground in Gulu City with Acholi Cultural Institution involved in the preparation.
Speaking at his palace in Gulu City on Monday, Rwot Acana described Gen Otema as a key figure in efforts to restore peace in Northern Uganda and an advocate for the interests of the Acholi people before the government.
Rwot Acana said Gen Otema’s return home alive after decades of military service is worth celebrating, said several officers from the region who served in senior military ranks didn’t survive to return home.
Gen Otema previously served as Commander of the UPDF’s Fourth Infantry Division during the LRA insurgency in Northern Uganda and later as Chief of Logistics and Engineering among others.