The retiring senior army commanders have been instructed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander in Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), to invest their retirement benefits properly.
According to him, the retirement should not be viewed as unnecessary.
“This is like a mutation, from one form of service to another. Because of this, we were forced to delay retirement until we had resolved the issue with the package, and I can guarantee you that what you are going with is substantial. Because of this, I allowed generals to retire last year, and because of this, we have long prohibited the retirement of casualties at Mubende. We advised them to stay until we offered them a solid retirement package so that they could continue to live happily in the communities. Now, this package you’ve received is pretty wonderful, stated Museveni.
On Thursday at State House Entebbe, the President made the appeal while he formally retired 11 army generals.
The generals join the other 99 senior army officers, from major to colonel, who retired in August at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Mbuya, bringing the total number of senior officers retiring this year to 110.
Gen. Kale Kayihura, a former Inspector General of Police; Lt. Gen. James Nakibus Lakara; Maj. Gens. Samuel Wasswa Mutesasira; Joseph Arocha; and David Wakaalo are among the 11 generals. Brig Gens. Austine Kasatwooki Kamanyire, Stephen Oluka, Frank Katende Kyambadde, Emmanuel Kwihangana, Wilson Muhabuzi, and Brig Gen. Ham Atwooki Kaija are some of the others.
The president cautioned pensioners against squandering their retirement benefits by funding ambitious initiatives like constructing hotels and schools.
“You should take a little, confident action. like the Fort Portal area’s Nyakana guy. He has heeded our advice, and on just 1.2 acres of property, he earns more than 240 million shillings annually from eight dairy cows and a flock of chickens. If you can acquire five acres, this is a sizable plot of land that would enable you to generate a sizable amount of revenue. You can’t go wrong if you invest in food production. For instance, when we got Corona, things like tourism fell apart, yet food prices remained stable, according to Museveni.
“Instead of using your retirement package to secure your future, you should sit down and turn into a local counselor for the residents. They will come to you for advice on how they can raise their household incomes on their own. You will now assume the role of an officer and commissar in a larger populace. People will approach you, but only once you are in a stable position. Museveni tacked on
Museveni also praised the retirees for serving in a prestigious force like the UPDF and for making a personal contribution to Uganda’s progress.
“The powerful revolutionary force that we erected not only saved Uganda but even helped several circumstances in the Great Lakes region. Therefore, I really applaud you for being a part of such a magnificent force and contributing to it in your own way because it provided many solutions for our people. When you examine our economy today, it tells a completely different tale from what it did in 1986 and even from what is taking place globally.
“Even now, you can still tell the difference if you compare it to the entire world. Uganda has an inflation rate of 3.9 percent; however, the global inflation rate is very high in many other nations. In many regions of the world, people lack food, and this is because of the leaders’ errors, he continued.
The retiring officers were thanked by the Minister of State for Defense and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, for their assistance in making Uganda stable.
“I also extend my congratulations to the departing generals for their years of successful military service and their honorable retirement. Not only for the accomplishments of the UPDF but also for cadres of wise character, you leave behind a wonderful legacy.
“You have developed many relationships that will stick with you long after you start the new chapter of your life by successfully leading and mentoring others. Given the complexity of the society we live in, I am aware that you are retiring with unfinished business.
” Although the task will never be complete, you are passing the torch in the knowledge that you have made changes that have a direct influence on the health and operational efficacy of the great UPDF.
General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the head of the armed forces, thanked the departing generals for successfully finishing their careers.
Mbadi also complimented the president for raising the retirement pay for the generals, saying that this has made them feel better.
“We want to thank you for the increased compensation because it has eliminated our fear of the future and our reluctance to retire,” Mbadi added.
Speaking on behalf of other retiring generals, Kayihura thanked the President, the general court-martial, and other UPDF officials for clearing him of all allegations.
“At this moment, I am the happiest person on earth. Gen. Kale added that it was the perfect moment for them to retire and hand the reins of leadership over to the young, energized soldiers after a lengthy period of service and the accomplishments the UPDF has made. Contrary to the times we joined, when there was duka duka, the country is now quiet, secure, and stable. said Gen. Kale.
Huda Oleru Abason, the Minister of State for Veteran Affairs, and Rosette Byengoma, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, among others, also attended the farewell ceremony.