The Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Reserve Force, Major General Ssemwanga, has engaged regional Reserve Force commanders and directors in a meeting aimed at strengthening coordination, leadership and operational effectiveness within the force.
The meeting, held at Bombo, brought together commanders and directors from different regions to review the role of the Reserve Force and discuss ways of improving coordination between regional structures and the Reserve Force headquarters.
Maj Gen Ssemwanga commended the regional commanders and directors for their contribution to the force during their respective tenures.
“To those that honourably served, we cannot thank you enough,” Maj Gen Ssemwanga said.
He emphasised the importance of professionalism, discipline, preparedness and teamwork in ensuring that the Reserve Force remains responsive to national defence and security requirements.
The meeting also provided a platform for regional commanders and directors to share field experiences and identify areas requiring additional support and guidance from the Reserve Force headquarters.
Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, Director of Pension, Gratuity and Compensation, commended Maj Gen Ssemwanga for his efforts to prepare personnel approaching retirement and said the preparatory engagements had made subsequent documentation processes easier.
Brig Gen Biryabarema also briefed the commanders on the UPDF pension and gratuity processes and urged them to encourage reservists to keep their personal and family records updated.
He explained that maintaining accurate records enables eligible personnel and their beneficiaries to access retirement-related benefits, including medical and education support where applicable.
As part of the effort, Maj Gen Ssemwanga pledged to undertake a countrywide tour to assess Reserve Force structures, strengthen supervision and improve coordination between the headquarters and regional formations.
The meeting also featured a presentation by Ms Josephine Namaganda, a focal person for Old Mutual Investment Group, formerly UAP, on life assurance and other financial products available to personnel approaching retirement..
