Gen (Rtd) Kale Kayihura has expressed his gratitude to President Museveni, General Court-Martial, and other authorities in the UPDF for finally freeing him of all the charges.
This week, Court Martial dropped all charges against the former Inspector General of Police.
They include; aiding and abetting the kidnapping and repatriation of Rwandan refugees to Rwanda, failure to protect military stores and failure to supervise police officers.
“I am the happiest human being on earth now.” Gen. Kale noted.
Gen. Kale was on Thursday speaking during the official retiring 11 army Generals at State House Entebbe.
The generals join other 99 Senior army officers from the rank of Major to Colonel who retired on 25th August at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya, making a total of 110 senior officers who have retired this year.
The 11 generals include; former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura, Lt Gen. James Nakibus Lakara, Maj Gen. Samuel Wasswa Mutesasira, Maj Gen. Joseph Arocha, and Maj Gen. David Wakaalo.
Others are; Brig Gen. Austine Kasatwooki Kamanyire, Brig Gen. Stephen Oluka, Brig Gen. Frank Katende Kyambadde, Brig Gen. Emmanuel Kwihangana, Brig Gen. Wilson Muhabuzi and Brig Gen. Ham Atwooki Kaija.
Kayihura said that after a long term of service and the achievements the UPDF had made it was the right time for them to retire and let the young and energetic soldiers take on the mantle of leadership.
“Today the Country is peaceful, secure, and stable, unlike our times when we joined when there was duka duka,” Gen. Kale said.
He also congratulated President Museveni and the First Lady for reaching their Golden Jubilee Anniversary of marriage.
The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth thanked President Museveni for his great leadership that has made UPDF a force to reckon with.
“I also congratulate the retiring generals for the successful military service spanning over years and for retiring honorably. You leave behind a tremendous legacy, not just for the accomplishments of the UPDF but also for cadres of astute character. You have successfully led and mentored others and fostered many relationships that will stay with you long after you begin the new chapter of your life. I know that you are retiring with goals that are not yet accomplished given the complexity of the world in which we live. The work will never be finished but you are passing the mantle, knowing that you have made positive changes directly impacting on the wellness and operational effectiveness of the mighty UPDF,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, thanked the President for hosting and blessing the retirement ceremony. Gen. Mbadi also congratulated the retiring generals for successfully reaching the final stage of their careers.
Gen. Mbadi further thanked the President for the enhanced emoluments for the retiring generals which have settled their hearts.
“We therefore want to thank you for the enhanced emoluments which have cured the fear of the unknown and the reluctance for retiring,” Gen. Mbadi said.
The send-off ceremony was also attended by the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Permanent Sectary, Ms. Rosettie Byengoma, among others.