148 Senior UPDF Officers Set To Retire

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has commenced a sensitisation and documentation exercise for 148 senior officers, ranging from Colonels to Majors, in preparation for their retirement. The event is taking place at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.

Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Commandant of Jinja Cantonment, commended the officers for their selfless service to the UPDF, Uganda, and Africa. He highlighted that their efforts have enabled the nation to enjoy peace and stability.

Brig Gen Kanyesigye advised the retirees to respect and comply with the authority of their community leaders, as transitioning from command positions can be challenging. He encouraged them to leverage their leadership skills to complement existing leadership and drive progress in their communities, rather than conflicting with village authorities.

Brig Gen Kanyesigye urged the retirees to take pride in their achievement and utilise this phase of life to engage in socially and economically transformative activities, such as agriculture. This, he said, would enable them to multiply their gratuity and secure a sustainable financial future, ensuring full reintegration into their communities and prudent management of their hard-earned benefits.

Col Deborah Nayebare, Deputy Chief of Pension, Gratuity, and Compensation, encouraged the retirees to view their retirement positively, as an opportunity to explore aspects of life previously neglected during their dedicated service. She reassured them that their pension remunerations are secure and tax-free, courtesy of the government.

Col Nayebare advised them to manage their finances wisely by considering key investment principles, including where to invest, how to invest, what to invest, and the level of risk associated with their retirement. She also emphasised the importance of mastering economic cash flow and planning asset acquisition.

In attendance were staff from the Pension Directorate and Mr. William Enyimu, Principal Human Resource Officer at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.