Government has assured soldiers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) who are set to retire from active service that it will provide benefifts to ensure their welfare is better after their retirement.
While closing batch 8A of the first week pre-retirement exercise at Gaddafi barracks in Jinja, the State Minister of Veteran Affairs, Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama advised the soldiers to prepare and plan for their resources carefully.
“Prepare for what lies ahead to make good life for yourselves during retirement,” he said.
Hon Rwamirama saluted the courageous and patriotism ways of the Retiring Officers and Militants plus their devotion during their time in the military.
The Minister added that their service has greatly contributed to the peace and security the country is enjoying.
He commended the retirees for attending the exercise and actively participating during the pre-retirement briefing.
“I am confident that the critical skills acquired during the course of your military careers such as leadership, initiative and discipline if maintained will give you a good head-start to succeed in your post service life,” Rwamirama told them.
He added that the Ministry is exploring avenues to provide the retirees with more skills during retirement, which will enable them continue being productive to society.
“Government is committed to ensure that your welfare is well taken care of during retirement by providing you with a wide range of services and benefits that you have earned as a result of your contributions to ensuring peace and stability in the country,” Minister Rwamirama added.
The retirees were urged to continue protecting the security of the country even when not in uniform and continue being eyes and ears of the Army in their respective communities.
They were further encouraged to be good role models and examples in the communities by serving and participanting in suitable economic activities for the economic development.
The Minister called upon retirees to remain good citizens during retirement and continue to do the best for the nation through rendering services in different ways and face the future with vigor and hope.
Over 1000 Officers and Militants are expected to retire from active service of the military during the financial year 2018/2019.