The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), through the Directorate of Pension, Gratuity and Compensation, has launched a Retirement Sensitisation and Documentation Exercise for Non-Commissioned Officers at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
Brig Gen Chris Bagonza, Deputy Joint Staff Human Resource Management, praised the retirees for their selfless service to the nation, urging them to view retirement as another opportunity to contribute to society beyond active duty.
He expressed his appreciation to the spouses for their unwavering support, which has been vital for the smooth execution of their duties.
Brig Gen Bagonza advised the retirees to prioritise their health and warned against reckless lifestyles and alcoholism.
Col Kenneth Muheire encouraged retirees to maintain their connections with the institution, assuring them of support. He advised against liquidating their Wazalendo SACCO accounts and stressed the importance of retaining their membership.
Among those retiring is special MG 18117090 Sgt Sowedi Kirya, a World War II veteran, who expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief for the recognition of his service and pledged to remain a good ambassador for the UPDF.
Present at the event were staff from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Pension Directorate.