4 Infantry Division Urges Retirees To Maintain Discipline, Loyalty

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 4 Infantry Division has urged retiring soldiers to maintain the discipline, hard work and loyalty they demonstrated during their military careers as they transition into civilian life.

The call was made during a retirement ceremony for 214 UPDF personnel held at Gulu Barracks, the division headquarters.

In his message delivered by the Deputy Division Commander, Colonel Richard Kidega, the Division Major General Felix Busizoori, said the discipline instilled in the retirees during their years of military service would remain valuable in their civilian lives.

“Discipline is key to every success, even in civilian life. Respect civil leaders as you have always done, but most importantly, remain loyal to Uganda, the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF,” he said.

The Division Administrative Officer, Col John Mark Ssemanda, urged the retirees to build their post-service lives around four key principles: protecting and growing their retirement benefits, maintaining discipline, remaining physically and mentally active, and nurturing their families.

“Guard your retirement package with all your life, and grow it; uphold the discipline that defined your career; stay physically and mentally active; and nurture your families that prayed for you during your countless deployments,” Col Ssemanda said.

He told the retirees that although they were leaving the barracks as tested leaders, they were not leaving behind their responsibility to Uganda.

He further encouraged them to embrace their new role as “soldiers of development” in their communities and serve as ambassadors of discipline, hard work and peace.

Speaking on behalf of Wazalendo SACCO, the Head of Research and Marketing, Lt Col Katanaka, encouraged the retirees to continue saving with the cooperative to enable them to access affordable financial services and invest in their future.

On behalf of the retirees, Warrant Officer Class One Kaada commended the government for improving the welfare and salaries of UPDF personnel, saying the measures had enabled the retirees to leave service with better retirement packages.

The ceremony was attended by religious, cultural and leaders from Northern Uganda and the West Nile region.