By Spy Uganda
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended 19 retiring Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Generals for their decades of service, discipline and contribution to the peace and security of Uganda.
The President, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, made the remarks on Friday while presiding over the retirement ceremony of the senior officers at State House, Entebbe.
Museveni congratulated the retirees for their service to the country and praised them for upholding the core values of the UPDF, particularly discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty.
“First of all, I congratulate the Generals for the great contribution they made to the UPDF. The UPDF and NRM have been able to build security,” the President said.
Beyond commending their military careers, Museveni challenged the retiring officers to approach retirement with the same discipline and strategic thinking that guided their years in uniform, particularly when managing their finances.
He advised them to prioritise secure investments that can generate steady income without requiring constant supervision, citing treasury bonds as one of the options they could consider.
“If you can put Shs600 million and you are getting 15 percent, by the end of the year that is Shs90 million profit,” he said.
The President cautioned the retirees against committing their savings to risky ventures or businesses that demand huge amounts of capital before they have established a reliable source of income.
“What will be safer is simply to put the money where it will earn interest,” he advised.
Museveni also encouraged officers who own land to consider relatively simple agricultural enterprises, particularly goat rearing, which he said could provide a sustainable source of income because of the ready market for goats and their relatively low feeding costs.
“You can rear goats. Can you fail to get buyers? They don’t need artificial feeds. You can have them on a small scale, something simple, safe and sustainable,” he said.
The President further advised the retirees to place their savings in fixed accounts and use the proceeds to gradually finance other investments, including fish farming and rental housing.
“First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects,” he said.
Museveni also reminded the retired officers that leaving active military service should not mark the end of their contribution to the country.
He urged them to remain committed to their families and communities and use the experience, knowledge and leadership skills acquired during their military careers to continue supporting national development.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, said the retiring Generals had played an important role in the transformation of the UPDF and the preservation of peace and security in Uganda.
He attributed their contribution to their discipline, professionalism and commitment to duty.
Speaking on behalf of the retiring officers, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala said the Generals were leaving behind an institution built through sacrifice and commitment.
“We are handing to you a well-disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice. Please protect this legacy by upholding patriotism, professionalism and integrity and, importantly, respect the civilian population,” Katumba said.
He emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations between the military and civilians, urging serving officers to remain loyal to the Constitution.
“We have an umbilical cord between the UPDF and the civilian population; please guard that and, of course, remain loyal to the Constitution,” he added.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, urged the retired Generals to continue serving Uganda in different capacities and to uphold the reputation of the UPDF even after leaving active military service.
“The retirement marks the end of active military service for the Generals, following years of service in the UPDF in different capacities. You are our ambassadors out there, so keep representing us,” Kiwanuka said.
The Minister also encouraged the retirees to put the financial management skills they had acquired during their service to good use, describing them as potential ambassadors of wealth creation in their communities.
He congratulated the senior officers for successfully completing their military careers and wished them a fulfilling retirement.
“Congratulations. Go with your heads high and represent Uganda. May God bless you and bless Uganda,” he said.
The officers who retired include Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa and Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda.
Others are Brig. Gen. E. Muhanguzi, Brig. Gen. S. Omar, Brig. Gen. F. Zakye, Brig. Gen. FR Akiiki, Brig. Gen. MS Kisame, Brig. Gen. PB Mwesigwe, Brig. Gen. ST Kashure, Brig. Gen. SN Ocan, Brig. Gen. MK Bitimbika, Brig. Gen. C. Bakahumura, Brig. Gen. CK Asiimwe and Brig. Gen. CM Muhindo.
The officers served the UPDF in a range of command, operational, administrative and strategic positions, contributing to the development of the force and the defence and security of Uganda.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, alongside senior UPDF officers and other officials.
As the Generals formally close a major chapter of their military careers, the retirement ceremony marked the beginning of a new phase in which their experience, leadership and patriotism can continue to contribute to Uganda’s social and economic development.
