As the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) prepares to bid farewell to its senior officers scheduled for retirement in July, a strong message of financial discipline was delivered during the Retirement Sensitisation and Documentation Exercise for Batch 15, launched today at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
The exercise targets officers from the rank of Major to Colonel and is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition into retirement.
Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, Director of Pensions, Gratuity, and Compensation, underscored the importance of financial management and warned officers to steer clear of wasteful habits.
“Avoid unnecessary excitement. Focus on improving what you already know and stay connected with your peers for guidance,” he said, further discouraging “excessive spending and polygamy” as potential threats to their financial stability.
He also reminded the retiring officers that they would continue to benefit from military services such as shops, schools, and healthcare after their formal exit from active duty.
Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Commander of Jinja Cantonment, congratulated the officers for reaching what he called a “noble and honourable milestone” in their careers.
“Retirement is a blessing from God, especially when it comes with honour rather than disgrace,” he said.
He praised their loyalty, particularly in missions against the Lord’s Resistance Army and efforts to bring peace to the Karamoja sub-region.
In his address, he emphasized the need for careful planning and wise financial decisions.
“Approach retirement prudently by making sound financial choices and avoiding speculative ventures that could compromise your hard-earned benefits,” he advised.
Brig Gen Kanyesigye also urged the officers to uphold the UPDF’s core values and to take care of their physical and mental health.
Brig Gen Kenneth Muheirwe, Director of Administration at the Joint Services Human Resource Management, thanked the retirees for their distinguished service and acknowledged the Commander-in-Chief’s efforts in enhancing retirement benefits.
“Retirement is a strategic policy that enables institutional renewal and organisational growth,” he said.
Citing the Book of Numbers (8:23–26), he encouraged the officers to embrace retirement as a meaningful life phase filled with personal and communal purpose.
The ceremony was graced by several senior officials, including Mrs Harriet Kyomugisha, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Mr Mabonga Mike, Commissioner for Resettlement, Psycho-Social Support, and Rehabilitation.
