His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has advised retired Generals to invest their retirement packages in lasting assets and resist the temptation to squander their hard-earned funds. ” That retirement package is very good for you, do not gamble,” the President urged during a retirement ceremony held today at State House, Entebbe, for five Generals of the UPDF.
President Museveni recounted how he fought hard to secure fair retirement benefits for the soldiers, acknowledging that for years, many had worked for little or no pay. “I struggled very hard to make sure that as you retire, you get a good package. That is why I kept the casualty unit in Mubende; I said I can’t allow a Ugandan who is injured and crippled in the army to go to the village when we are still getting these low salaries and be a pauper there,” he said.
Reflecting on the foundations of the UPDF, the President emphasised the principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation as key pillars for Uganda’s stability and growth. He dismissed sectarianism in the military, stating, “We need an army of Uganda, but the army of Uganda must also understand the importance of Africa.”
Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), commended President Museveni for his visionary leadership, which has elevated the UPDF into one of the most respected and professional armies in the world. “The UPDF right now is one of the best, respected, organised, professional armies, not only in Africa, but in the world,” Hon Oboth said.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, echoed this sentiment, quoting Biblical scripture from the book of Numbers 8:23-26 to remind the Generals that retirement is a natural phase. He praised the retiring officers for their service during turbulent times and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families.
Maj Gen Silver Kayemba, speaking on behalf of the retired Generals, thanked President Museveni for his leadership, which has brought Uganda and the UPDF global recognition. He expressed gratitude to the families of the retired Generals, asking for their support as they transition back to civilian life: “The nature of our work took us away from you, and you accepted. Now the same nature has brought us back to you. We kindly ask you to be accommodative as we adjust back into this life.”
The retired Generals honoured at the ceremony included:
- Maj Gen Silver Kayemba
- Brig Gen Christopher Kasaija
- Brig Gen Charles Kisembo
- Brig Gen Godard Busingye
- Brig Gen Fred Karara
The event was attended by senior military and government officials, including Hon Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs); Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Force; Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff; and family members of the retired officers.
