The commander of Uganda People’s Defence Force -UPDF’s Land Forces, Lt Gen Kainerugaba Muhoozi, has presided over the retirement of 260 senior soldiers from the ranks of Colonel to Major.
Out of the 260, UPDF officers who have retired from the Army include 62 Colonels, 65 Lieutenant Colonels, and 133 Majors. The retirees had served for more than 30 years in the force and the majority were above 60 years.
Gen Muhoozi, who represented the Commander in Chief of the armed forces Gen Yoweri Museveni applauded the retiring Senior Officers for the great work done in preserving peace and stability both in the country and beyond.
“You indeed defined the spirit of patriotism and self-service. These two elements have always been great pillars in the UPDF,” he said, adding that offices will always remain open to them for any assistance. “This is a day of celebrations, it’s your day. Enjoy it fully and God bless you,” he noted.
Gen Muhoozi said the retirees’ journey has been long but characterized by resilience and self-commitment thus leading to the peace being witnessed in the country. The three-star General warned the retirees to be careful as they begin a new chapter of life in the civilian world.
Maj Gen Joseph Kidega the Commandant General Headquarters saluted them for a job well done, urging them to uphold the UPDF Ideology of maintaining strict adherence to civil-military cooperation.
“Comrades, your sacrifice, devotion, diligence, and contribution towards attaining peace and stability, the social-economic transformation of this country and Africa cannot be taken for granted. Your tireless efforts towards the development of this nation and Africa has registered greater achievements so far and is justifiable. Thank you very much for adding value towards the transformation of UPDF fraternity and institution as a whole,” Maj Gen Kidega said.