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President Yoweri Museveni, while addressing the retirement ceremony of five UPDF Generals at State House Entebbe, advised them to wisely invest their retirement packages in long-term assets. He emphasized the importance of avoiding financial waste and recounted his efforts to secure fair benefits for retiring soldiers.

President Yoweri Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has advised retired Generals to invest their retirement packages in long-term 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 while addressing a retirement ceremony at State House, Entebbe, for five UPDF Generals.

Museveni recounted his efforts to secure fair retirement benefits for soldiers, noting that many had worked for little to no pay for years. “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 return to the village with low salaries and become a pauper,” he said.

Reflecting on the UPDF’s foundation, the President emphasised patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation as pillars of Uganda’s stability. He denounced sectarianism in the military, stating, “We need an army of Uganda, but the army of Uganda must also understand the importance of Africa.”

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Jacob Oboth Oboth praised Museveni for his visionary leadership, elevating the UPDF to one of the most respected and professional armies globally. “The UPDF is now one of the best, respected, organised, professional armies, not only in Africa but in the world,” Oboth remarked.

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, supported this sentiment, referencing Biblical scripture to remind the retiring Generals that retirement is a natural phase. He lauded their service during difficult times and acknowledged the sacrifices made by their families.

Maj Gen Silver Kayemba, speaking on behalf of the retired Generals, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his leadership, which has brought global recognition to Uganda and the UPDF. He thanked the families of the retirees, asking for their continued support as the Generals transition 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 for your accommodation as we adjust back into this life,” he said.

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 Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs); Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces; and Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, alongside family members of the retiring officers.