Brig Gen Keith Katungi, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to the retirees for their dedication in combating the Lord’s Resistance Army and Holy Spirit Movement insurgencies in Northern Uganda.
“Your service has played a crucial role in dismantling rebel groups that once plagued Northern Uganda,” said Brig Gen Katungi during the official send-off ceremony for Non-Commissioned Officers at the Division headquarters in Acholi Pii, Pader District.
Brig Gen Katungi urged the retirees to be exemplary ambassadors of the UPDF in their communities. He called upon the community to welcome the retirees as heroes and heroines, recognising their invaluable contributions to the country’s liberation and peace efforts.
He advised them to maintain discipline and respect local authorities, drawing inspiration from H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has set a high standard of discipline and dedication.
He cautioned the retirees to carefully consider their business ventures, suggesting they avoid hasty spending of their retirement packages without proper planning.
Col (Rtd) Fearless Obwoya Oyat urged the retirees to remain vigilant, cautioning them against joining criminal groups. He advised those who are single to avoid hasty marriages and discouraged those who are married from taking additional wives.
Warrant Officer Class One Friday Samson, the most senior retiree with 41 years of service, expressed his appreciation for the honour and vowed to continue working with the local community to foster peace.
Cpl Adero Okot Lilly, who served for 27 years, shared her journey of joining the army to combat the violence of Kony and expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the UPDF, which have allowed her to secure her future.
The event was attended by senior and junior UPDF officers, religious leaders, community members, and families of the retirees.
