The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has commenced its Retirement Sensitisation and Documentation Exercise for Batch 15, targeting senior officers from the rank of Major to Colonel.
The exercise, launched today at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja, is in preparation for the officers’ formal retirement set for July this year.
Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Commander of Jinja Cantonment, congratulated the officers for achieving what he described as a “noble and honourable milestone” in their military careers.
“Retirement is a blessing from God, especially when it comes with honour rather than disgrace,” he said.
He applauded the officers for their unwavering dedication, particularly during operations against the Lord’s Resistance Army and efforts to stabilize the Karamoja sub-region.
He advised the officers to approach retirement prudently by making sound financial choices and avoiding speculative ventures that could compromise their hard-earned benefits.
Brig Gen Kanyesigye encouraged them to maintain the core values of the UPDF and to prioritize their physical and mental health.
Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, Director of Pensions, Gratuity, and Compensation, cautioned the retirees to guard against fraudsters targeting their gratuity. “Avoid unnecessary excitement. Focus on improving what you already know and stay connected with your peers for guidance,” he advised.
He underscored the importance of financial discipline, discouraging excessive spending and polygamy.
Brig Gen Biryabarema reminded the officers that they would retain access to military services such as shops, schools, and healthcare even after retirement.
Brig Gen Kenneth Muheirwe, Director of Administration at the Joint Services Human Resource Management, lauded the officers for their exemplary service and thanked the Commander-in-Chief for improving retirement benefits in recognition of their contributions. “Retirement is a strategic policy that enables institutional renewal and organisational growth,” said Brig Gen Muheirwe. Citing the Book of Numbers (8:23–26), he described retirement as a time-honoured tradition, urging the officers to embrace it with optimism, personal growth, and community engagement.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Mrs Harriet Kyomugisha, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Mr Mabonga Mike, Commissioner for Resettlement, Psycho-Social Support, and Rehabilitation.
