Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, the UPDF Director of Pension, Gratuity, and Compensation, has praised retiring non-commissioned officers for their selfless contributions to bringing peace to Northern Uganda.
Speaking at the 4 Infantry Division headquarters, Brig Gen Biryabarema lauded their dedicated efforts, stating: “Had it not been for their struggle, we would not be enjoying the peace now in the northern part of the country.”
He highlighted the commitment of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, H.E. Gen Yoweri Museveni, to ensure that retiring soldiers receive a proper send-off, contrasting it with previous practices. “The Commander-in-Chief thought it wise for every retiring soldier never to go home empty-handed upon retirement, but rather have a proper, documented sendoff,” he said.
Brig Gen Biryabarema encouraged the retirees to maintain discipline and serve as good ambassadors for the UPDF, urging them to successfully reintegrate into civilian life and continue demonstrating the discipline they exhibited during their service. He advised them to wisely utilise their retirement packages, avoid impulsive investments, apply skills gained during service—such as carpentry and motor vehicle maintenance—engage in socio-economic activities, including joining veteran SACCOs in their home districts, and remain members of Wazalendo SACCO for easy access to loans.
He further appealed to the communities receiving the retirees to offer them a warm welcome, emphasising: “They have retired with grace, not as criminals.”
Among those present at the event were Brig Gen Felix Buzoori, Commander of 4 Infantry Division, Col Isaac Ojwiyo Muwa, Reserve Commander of the Acholi sub-region, and staff from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
