The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has conducted retirement ceremonies for Batch 16 personnel across formations and units, honouring hundreds of junior and non-commissioned officers for their dedicated service to the nation while urging them to embrace retirement with discipline and prudent financial management.
At the Land Force Headquarters in Bombo, 404 junior officers and militants were formally discharged from active military service during a ceremony held in Luweero District.
Presiding over the event, the Commander of the Joint Staff Brigade Group, Major General Dr Lucky Joseph Kidega, commended the retirees for their patriotism, discipline and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Uganda.
“I am honoured to join you on this occasion as we recognise your dedicated service to our country. I thank His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, for his vision and commitment to the professionalisation of the UPDF, which has transformed our armed forces into a disciplined and capable institution,” Maj Gen Kidega said.
He urged the retirees to remain ambassadors of the UPDF by continuing to uphold the force’s values and ideology even after leaving active service.
“As you begin this new chapter, avoid alcoholism and drug abuse. Endeavour to stay healthy through regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet. Continue to live by the values that guided you throughout your military careers,” he advised.
The Director of Human Resource Management–Land Force, Brigadier General Emmanuel Ayuk, applauded the retirees for serving with honour and discipline throughout their military careers and encouraged them to uphold the values that defined their service.
“As you reunite with your families, continue to uphold discipline and take good care of your health. Spend your retirement packages with a clear plan because your sacrifices have greatly contributed to the stability of this country,” Brig Gen Ayuk said.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Captain Augustine Tulyahanuka described retirement as a moment of fulfilment rather than sadness, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve Uganda.
“I have served my country with pride. This is a moment of profound emotion, not sadness, but fulfilment. I thank God for preserving my life throughout my years of service,” he said.
Capt Tulyahanuka thanked H.E. the President and Commander-in-Chief for his leadership, saying it had transformed the UPDF into a professional and people-centred force. He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Defence Forces and the UPDF leadership for their strategic guidance, before encouraging fellow retirees to embrace civilian life positively and invest their retirement benefits wisely.
Across the country, similar ceremonies were held at various UPDF formations.
At the 3 Infantry Division, the Division Commander, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, paid tribute to the retirees for their dedication to Uganda’s security and contributions to regional peace support operations.
“It is now with great honour that the army retires you honourably. Go and use the skills you have gained in the army to serve the nation in other capacities,” Maj Gen Sserunkuma said.
He urged them to manage their retirement benefits prudently and maintain the discipline that characterised their military service.
At the 5 Infantry Division, the Division Commander, Major General Keith Katungyi, assured the retirees that they were leaving active service with their retirement benefits intact and would continue accessing available services and privileges extended to them as members of the UPDF family.
He cautioned them against making impulsive financial decisions after receiving their retirement packages, urging them to apply the financial literacy skills acquired during service.
“Do not be carried away by the money you receive as your retirement package. This is an important resource for your future. Use the knowledge you have acquired in financial management and invest wisely,” Maj Gen Katungyi advised.
At the Motorised Infantry Division headquarters in Nakasongola District, the Division Commander, Major General Charles Byanyima, congratulated the retirees for their resilience, sacrifice and dedication throughout their careers.
“You fought the good fight and have completed your active military service. You are our ambassadors in the community. Maintain the military discipline that has defined the UPDF and continue supporting government programmes in your respective localities,” he said.
Maj Gen Byanyima urged the retirees to apply the financial literacy skills they acquired during service to invest in sustainable income-generating activities. He further encouraged them to remain active members of Wazalendo SACCO.
At the 1 Infantry Division, the Division Commander, Brigadier General Fred Mwesigye, urged retiring soldiers to maintain the discipline and values acquired during their military careers as they transition to civilian life.
Brig Gen Mwesigye commended the retirees for enduring various challenges and faithfully serving the UPDF until their retirement.
He encouraged them to appreciate and support their families, noting that their relatives had remained a source of strength throughout their years of service.
At the 2 Infantry Division, 165 non-commissioned officers from Batch 16 were also retired from active military service during a ceremony presided over by the Division Commander, Maj Gen Muhanguzi congratulated the retirees upon successfully completing their military careers and commended them for the resilience and endurance they had demonstrated throughout their years of service.
He reminded them that retirement did not mean they had ceased to be members of the UPDF family, urging them to maintain the discipline and values acquired during their military careers.
Meanwhile, the Armoured Division retired 39 personnel during a ceremony presided over by the Division Commander, Brigadier General PJ Kajuba.
Brig Gen Kajuba thanked the retirees for their dedicated service and commended the UPDF leadership for allowing soldiers to retire while they are still able to pursue productive lives after active service.
At the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Muhooti, Kabarole District, 51 senior and junior non-commissioned officers officially retired from military service.
Representing the Division Commander, the Deputy Division Commander, Brigadier General David Opeero, described retirement as a transition from active service to the reserve force rather than an end to service.
He thanked them for their courage, discipline, sacrifice and commitment, particularly during operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and also recognised the support of their families.
“Your patience made it possible for these men to focus on their duties. Without stability at home, it would not have been possible for them to perform their responsibilities effectively,” Brig Gen Opero said.
At the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre (DFRVC) in Mubende, the Commandant, Brig Gen Moses Kwikiriza, challenged the retirees to respect civilian authorities and abide by the laws governing the communities where they will settle.
“You are not going to open another front line with civilian leadership. You have to obey the laws that govern the population,” Brig Gen Kwikiriza cautioned.
The retirement ceremonies brought together senior and junior UPDF officers, government officials, resident district commissioners, local leaders, the retirees’ families and members of the community.
