The Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called upon his UPDF retirees to use their packages carefully and wisely, adding that retirement comes with complications and costs.
He made the remarks on Monday at the retirement of 150 Senior Officers from the Rank of Major to Colonel under Batch 13B at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters, Mbuya. They included 33 Colonels, 78 Lt Colonels and 39 Majors.
The CDF lauded retiring senior officers for their commitment to serving Uganda throughout their time of service in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
“For Uganda, our fatherland, no sacrifice is too great. Officers and men have demonstrated the commitment to serve the country over decades and through countless operations,” said Gen Kainerugaba. He assured the retirees that the young Officers left behind serving in different operations like Operation Shujaa, Somalia and Karamoja would carry forward the noble tradition and proudly follow in their footsteps as they continue to carry high the banner of the Peoples’ Army.
Juxtaposing the army with monks and priests, Gen Kainerugaba said the army is not a job but a vocation and calling and urged the retiring officers to use the UPDF offices to notify the authorities about essential developments in the country because they remain open to them. “You do not hear of a monk or a priest retiring, but they can step back from a full-time retirement because theirs is a life commitment to the church. Similarly, we are priests, and our church is Uganda. Our mission to have a secure, peaceful and prosperous Uganda does not end because we stop wearing Uniforms. In civilian life, you remain our listening posts and ambassadors,” said Gen Kainerugaba.
On continued economic engagement, the CDF said that the UPDF will continue supporting veterans economically after retirement by expanding cooperation through veteran SACCOs that are already giving a helping hand to the Chieftaincy of welfare and Production.
The Deputy Joint Staff – Human Resource Management Brig Gen Kaweesa Kigozi observed that retirement is an important milestone that one can use to throw themselves into their favourite hobby, start new adventures and enjoy more time with family, among others. “As we strive for the professionalisation of the Force, retirement of personnel is fundamental since it ensures a balance in having an effective Force. Retirement, therefore, is an institutional way of rejuvenating the forces by replacing seasoned and experienced guards with young guards. It allows smooth career progression, assures force continuity, ushers retirees life after the military and not only network with the civilian community but also invest their retirement package wisely when still capable,” said Brig Gen Kigozi.
Col Jafari Kasirivu, who spoke on behalf of the retiring officers, paid tribute and acknowledged the critical role played by the fallen heroes, both combatants and civilians, in support of having paid the ultimate price of the people who are mutual as well as sympathising with the innocent souls that lost their lives to the brutal regime.
He thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who led the liberation of Uganda, the UPDF leadership and the people of Ugandan for allowing them the opportunity to serve the nation in the military, especially when the country needed them most. “Our achievements are yours, built on the foundation of new solicited ideas and shared commitment. As we retire, therefore, we carry forward the legacy of patriotism and service, having fulfilled the historical mission of our generation,” Col Kasirivu said.
Present at the function were: Lt Gen Samuel Okiding Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba Chief of Joint Staff, Commander Special Force Command Maj Gen David Mugisha, Commandant National Defence College – Uganda Maj Gen Francis Okello, MODVA Under Secretary Finance and Administration Mrs. Edith Buturo, Senior Officers of the UPDF and family members of the retiring Officers.