Brigadier General William Beinomugisha, the Commandant of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Military Police, has urged officers and men to direct their earnings into income-generating ventures as a safeguard for life after service.
“Retirement demands a smart brain,” he cautioned, warning against misuse of borrowed money and risky behaviours that undermine financial stability.
He delivered this message while inspecting Makindye Barracks and other Military Police Brigade units, a tour that focused on combat readiness, troop welfare, healthcare, desertion, discipline, and the prevailing political climate.
Brig Gen Beinomugisha emphasized that smart financial choices were as important as discipline and duty, reminding troops that their future well-being depended on sound planning.
He also congratulated recently promoted junior and senior non-commissioned officers, urging them to carry their new ranks with responsibility.
On health, he called for vigilance against sexually transmitted diseases, saying, “Keeping healthy against sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS and other sexual issues is very vital if you are to enjoy the new promotion.”
The commandant applauded soldiers for maintaining good relations with communities neighbouring their barracks.
“I have not received any complaints from civilians,” he noted, attributing Uganda’s peace and stability partly to such positive interactions.
He further reminded the force of their legacy in guarding strategic installations in Kampala and ensuring security for very important persons, urging them to continue upholding that mandate with diligence.
Beyond professional duties, Brig Gen Beinomugisha rallied his men to remain loyal to the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni.
“Avoid criminals who may divert you to support wrong elements who don’t know where Uganda came from,” he said, calling for focus on purposeful leadership.
At the heart of his message, however, was a rallying cry for soldiers to secure their financial future.
“Retirement demands a smart brain,” he reminded them once more, encouraging investments that will sustain their livelihoods beyond active duty.
