The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has started the sensitization and documentation exercise for 148 senior officers from the rank of Colonel to Major, ahead of their retirement at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
Brigadier General Emmanuel Kanyesigye, the Commandant of Jinja Cantonment, praised the officers for their dedicated service to the UPDF, Uganda, and Africa.
He highlighted that their contributions have been instrumental in maintaining the nation’s peace.
He acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from command roles and advised the retirees to respect and cooperate with their community leaders.
Brig. Gen. Kanyesigye emphasized that their leadership skills, developed during military service, should be used to support and enhance local leadership, fostering community progress instead of clashing with village authorities.
He encouraged the retirees to take pride in reaching this milestone and to engage in socially and economically beneficial activities, such as agriculture, to ensure a sustainable financial future.
This approach, he noted, would help them fully reintegrate into their communities and safeguard their financial benefits.
Colonel Deborah Nayebare, Deputy Chief of Pension, Gratuity, and Compensation, urged the retirees to view retirement as a positive phase, an opportunity to explore aspects of life that were missed during their service.
She assured them that their pensions are secure and tax-free, thanks to the government’s provisions.
Col. Nayebare advised prudent financial management, highlighting key investment principles: identifying where and how to invest, understanding the level of risk, mastering cash flow, and planning asset acquisition wisely.
The event was attended by staff from the Pension Directorate and Mr. William Enyimu, Principal Human Resource Officer, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
