The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has advanced its Retirement Sensitisation and Documentation Exercise for Batch 15, Phase II, targeting junior officers—Captains and Lieutenants—at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
The programme, aimed at easing the officers’ transition into civilian life, featured a strong emphasis on personal conduct, financial prudence, and respectful engagement with the public.
Lt Col Onesmus Amanya, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Pension and Gratuity Compensation, reminded the officers of the enduring impact of their discipline. “Whatever discipline you inject into the community will greatly determine how you are received and integrated,” he said.
Lt Col Amanya lauded the officers for their commitment during turbulent times and underscored the honourable nature of their retirement. “Retirement is a blessing especially when it comes honourably and not in disgrace,” he added.
Major Bilal Katamba, Deputy Director of Defence Public Information, echoed the sentiment, congratulating the officers on reaching a pivotal juncture in their lives. He praised the Commander-in-Chief for embedding a culture of dignified retirement within the military structure.
He noted that since 1986, national leadership had improved economic conditions, enabling the UPDF to offer more respectable retirement packages. Maj Katamba urged the retirees to invest their benefits wisely and uphold their standing. “You have served and retired as royals, behave like royals,” he advised. “Your actions in retirement will either positively or negatively impact the image of the UPDF,” he warned, calling on the officers to serve as exemplary ambassadors in their communities.
Additional guidance was provided by officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Joint Staff Legal Services, and the Veterans Legal Aid Clinics, equipping the officers with further tools for a successful transition.
