President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the retirement ceremony of 19 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Generals, commending them for their contribution to the country’s defence and security.
The ceremony was held at State House, Entebbe on Thursday, where President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, congratulated the retiring officers for serving the country and upholding the values of discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty.
“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.
President Museveni urged the retirees to manage their finances carefully and prioritise secure investments that can generate steady income after leaving active military service.
He encouraged them to consider treasury bonds, fixed deposit accounts and other low-risk investments instead of rushing into capital-intensive ventures.
“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 also advised officers who own land to consider ventures such as goat rearing, saying the animals have a ready market, reproduce quickly 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.
He further encouraged the retirees to use returns from their savings to finance other income-generating projects, including fish farming and rental housing.
“First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects,” he said.
The President also urged the retired officers to remain committed to their families and communities and use the experience acquired during their military careers to continue contributing to national development.
The retirees include 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.
On behalf of the retirees, Gen Katumba Wamala said they were handing over an institution built on discipline, sacrifice and professionalism.
“We are handing to you a well-disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice,” Gen Katumba said, urging serving officers to protect the UPDF’s legacy by upholding patriotism, professionalism and integrity.
He also called for continued respect for civilians and loyalty to the Constitution, describing the relationship between the army and the civilian population as crucial.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, urged the retired Generals to continue serving the country in their new capacities, saying they would remain 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.
Mr Kiwanuka also encouraged the retirees to apply the knowledge acquired through financial management training to promote wealth creation.
He congratulated the officers upon reaching the retirement milestone and wished them success in their next chapter.
“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.
