By Karim Were
KAMPALA —Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has commended 222 retiring Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) senior officers for their contribution to building what he described as the foundation of the modern army.
The officers, comprising Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors from Batch 16, were recognised at Mbuya during a retirement-related engagement with the UPDF leadership.
Gen Kainerugaba praised the officers for their service and resilience, saying their contribution had helped shape the professional and institutional foundations of the UPDF.
He urged the retiring officers to view retirement not as the end of their service to the country, but as an opportunity to contribute to national development in new capacities.
#CDF praises officers’ contribution
Gen Kainerugaba said the retiring officers had played an important role in strengthening the UPDF during their years of service.
He described them as having laid a resilient foundation for the modern UPDF, recognising the experience and institutional knowledge accumulated during their careers.
The officers include senior commanders who have served in different capacities within the military and contributed to the development of the force.
Their retirement marks a transition from active military service to civilian life, where they are expected to apply their experience in other areas of society.
#Call for civic leadership
The CDF encouraged the retiring officers to embrace civic leadership and continue contributing to Uganda’s development after leaving active service.
He urged them to use the leadership skills and experience acquired during their military careers to serve their communities and the country.
The call reflects the broader role retired military officers can play in public life, community development and other areas requiring leadership, discipline and organisational experience.
Gen Kainerugaba also reminded the officers that their responsibilities to the country should not necessarily end with their departure from active military service.
## **Officers urged to protect retirement benefits**
The CDF further advised the retiring officers to safeguard their retirement benefits.
Retirement benefits are an important source of financial security for personnel leaving active service, particularly as they transition to civilian life.
Gen Kainerugaba urged the officers to manage their benefits responsibly and protect the resources accumulated during their years of service.
The advice comes as retiring personnel adjust to new financial and social circumstances outside the military.
#Retirees as development anchors
Gen Kainerugaba also encouraged the officers to remain key anchors of development in their communities.
Their experience in leadership, planning, discipline and public service could provide valuable knowledge for community initiatives and other development activities.
The retiring officers are expected to take their expertise into civilian settings, where they can continue contributing to society through various professional and community engagements.
#Transition from military service
Retirement represents an important stage in the career of military personnel.
For senior officers, the transition can involve adapting from a highly structured military environment to civilian life.
The UPDF and its leadership have continued to emphasise the importance of preparing personnel for life after active service.
For the 222 officers, the transition also brings an opportunity to apply their professional experience outside the military while maintaining their commitment to national service.
#A generation of UPDF leadership
The retiring Batch 16 officers form part of a generation of military personnel who served during significant periods in the development and transformation of the UPDF.
Their careers span different stages of the force’s institutional development, including changes in military organisation, training and professionalisation.
Gen Kainerugaba’s recognition of their contribution highlights the importance of institutional continuity within the military.
As experienced officers retire, younger personnel are expected to assume greater responsibilities and take forward the foundations established by previous generations.
#Continuing national service
The CDF’s message to the retiring officers was centred on continuity of service.
Although the officers are leaving active military duty, their leadership experience remains potentially valuable to Uganda’s social and economic development.
By embracing civic leadership, protecting their retirement benefits and remaining involved in development, the officers can continue to contribute to the country in different capacities.
The retirement of the 222 senior officers therefore represents both the conclusion of long military careers and the beginning of a new phase of public service.
