President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has presided over the retirement ceremony of 19 army Generals at State House Entebbe.
President Museveni congratulated the retiring officers for their service to the UPDF and Uganda, commending them for upholding discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty throughout their careers.
“First of all, I congratulate the Generals for the great contribution they made to the UPDF. The UPDF and NRM have been able to build security,” President Museveni said.
The President urged the retirees to manage their retirement benefits carefully and invest in secure ventures that can provide sustainable income.
He particularly recommended treasury bonds, saying they could generate returns without requiring the retirees to actively manage a business.
“If you can put Shs600 million and you are getting 15 percent, by the end of the year that is Shs90 million profit,” he said.
President Museveni cautioned the retired officers against immediately investing large sums of money in ventures that could expose their savings to unnecessary risks.
“What will be safer is simply to put the money where it will earn interest,” he said.
He also encouraged those with land to consider small-scale goat farming, arguing that goats have a ready market and do not require expensive artificial feeds.
“You can rear goats. Can you fail to get buyers? They don’t need artificial feeds. You can have them on a small scale, something simple, safe and sustainable,” he said.
The President further advised the retirees to use income from fixed savings to finance other investments, including fish farming and rental housing.
“First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects,” he said.
President Museveni also urged the retired Generals to remain active in their families and communities and to continue using the experience acquired during their military careers to contribute to national development.
Among those retiring are Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita Gowa and Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda.
Others are Brig Gen E. Muhanguzi, Brig Gen S. Omar, Brig. Gen F. Zakye, Brig Gen FR Akiiki, Brig Gen MS Kisame, Brig Gen PB Mwesigwe, Brig Gen ST Kashure, Brig Gen SN Ocan, Brig Gen MK Bitimbika, Brig Gen C. Bakahumura, Brig Gen CK Asiimwe and Brig Gen CM Muhindo.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, commended the retiring officers for their contribution to the transformation of the UPDF and the maintenance of peace and security.
He said their discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty had contributed to the development of the force.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Gen Katumba Wamala said they were handing over an institution built through sacrifice and urged serving officers to protect its legacy.
“We are handing to you a well-disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice. Please protect this legacy by upholding patriotism, professionalism and integrity and, importantly, respect the civilian population. We have an umbilical cord between the UPDF and the civilian population; please guard that and, of course, remain loyal to the Constitution,” he said.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, urged the retirees to continue serving Uganda in their new capacities, describing them as ambassadors of the UPDF.
“The retirement marks the end of active military service for the Generals, following years of service in the UPDF in different capacities. You are our ambassadors out there, so keep representing us,” he said.
Kiwanuka also encouraged the retirees to apply the financial management knowledge acquired during their service to wealth creation and to share that knowledge with others.
He congratulated the Generals on completing their active military careers and wished them success in retirement.
“Congratulations. Go with your heads high and represent Uganda. May God bless you and bless Uganda,” he said.
The retiring officers served in various command, operational, administrative and strategic positions during their military careers, contributing to the development of the UPDF and Uganda’s defence and security.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, and senior UPDF officers.
