By Waters Atai,
President Museveni has cautioned 11 Updf Generals retiring from the forces against unplanned investment advising them to wisely invest their retirement packages in small and manageable projects
At least 11 army Generals were officially sent into retirement today (Wednesday 31 August,2023) at State House Entebbe in a ceremony presided over by President Museveni.
They are former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Kale Kayihura, Lt Gen. James Nakibus Lakara, Maj Gen. Samuel Wasswa Mutesasira, Maj Gen. Joseph Arocha, and Maj Gen. David Wakaalo.
Others are; Brig Gen. Austine Kasatwooki Kamanyire, Brig Gen. Stephen Oluka, Brig Gen. Frank Katende Kyambadde, Brig Gen. Emmanuel Kwihangana, Brig Gen. Wilson Muhabuzi and Brig Gen. Ham Atwooki Kaija.
The President said he had to hold on the retirement to get a good package for the retiring officers so that their benefit from their retirement while in villages. He advised the retirees not to misuse their retirement package by investing in ambitious projects like building schools and hotels.
“Now this package that you have got is really good…You should do something small which you are sure of. Like a man called Nyakana in Fort Portal area. He has listened to our message and with 1.2 acres of land, he earns over Shs240m in a year from 8 cows of milk and poultry eggs so if you can get 5 acres, this is a lot of land that can help you to get a lot of income. If you invest in food production, you cannot go wrong. You see when we got Corona, things like tourism collapsed but eating never collapsed,” he emphasized.
He also advised them to offer community development services to people in places of their retirement.
“Apart from anchoring your future using the retirement package, you just sit down and become local counselors of the local people, they will come to you and advise them on what they can do for themselves to improve their household incomes. You are now going to become a new commissar and officer in a wider population. People will come to you, but they will come to you when you are stable.”
On the other hand, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth thanked President Museveni for his great leadership that has made UPDF a force to reckon with. He hailed the retirees for a good service rendered in serving the national army.
“You leave behind a tremendous legacy, not just for the accomplishments of the UPDF but also for cadres of astute character. You have successfully led and mentored others and fostered many relationships that will stay with you long after you begin the new chapter of your life. I know that you are retiring with goals that are not yet accomplished given the complexity of the world in which we live. The work will never be finished but you are passing the mantle, knowing that you have made positive changes directly impacting on the wellness and operational effectiveness of the mighty UPDF,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Forces General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi thanked the President for the enhanced emoluments for the retiring generals which have settled their hearts.
“We therefore want to thank you for the enhanced emoluments which have cured the fear of the unknown and the reluctance for retiring,” Gen. Mbadi said.
Gen. Kale Kayihura who spoke on behalf of other retiring generals expressed his gratitude to the President, general court-martial, and other authorities in the UPDF for finally freeing him of all the charges.
“I am the happiest human being on earth now.” Gen. Kale noted.
Gen. Kale said that after a long term of service and the achievements the UPDF had made it was the right time for them to retire and let the young and energetic soldiers take on the mantle of leadership.
“Today the Country is peaceful, secure, and stable, unlike our times when we joined when there was duka duka.” he added
The generals join other 99 Senior army officers from the rank of Major to Colonel who retired on 25th August at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya, making a total of 110 senior officers who have retired this year.
