UPDF has urged senior officers preparing for retirement to adopt a cautious and financially responsible approach to life after service.
This guidance was a central theme as the Retirement Sensitisation and Documentation Exercise for Batch 15 kicked off today at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
The exercise targets officers holding ranks from Major to Colonel who are scheduled to formally retire in July this year.
Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Commander of Jinja Cantonment, congratulated the officers on reaching what he termed a “noble and honourable milestone” in their military journey.
“Retirement is a blessing from God, especially when it comes with honour rather than disgrace,” he said.
He acknowledged the officers’ service in key military operations, including fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army and stabilising the Karamoja sub-region.
Emphasizing the need for wise financial decisions, he cautioned against speculative ventures that could threaten their retirement security. “Approach retirement prudently,” he urged.
Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, Director of Pensions, Gratuity, and Compensation, echoed the financial warnings, noting that retirees are often targets for fraudsters.
“Avoid unnecessary excitement. Focus on improving what you already know and stay connected with your peers for guidance,” he advised.
He also discouraged excessive spending and polygamy, highlighting the importance of financial discipline.
To support a smoother transition, Brig Gen Biryabarema reminded the officers that they would continue to access military services such as shops, schools, and healthcare after retirement.
Brig Gen Kenneth Muheirwe, Director of Administration at the Joint Services Human Resource Management, praised the retirees’ dedication and acknowledged the government’s efforts to improve retirement benefits.
“Retirement is a strategic policy that enables institutional renewal and organisational growth,” he stated.
Referencing the Book of Numbers (8:23–26), he framed retirement as a sacred tradition and encouraged the officers to embrace it with optimism, pursue personal development, and stay engaged in community life.
The event drew participation from top officials, including Mrs Harriet Kyomugisha, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Management at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and Mr Mabonga Mike, Commissioner for Resettlement, Psycho-Social Support, and Rehabilitation.
A total of 1,346 officers and militants of the UPDF are undergoing sensitisation and documentation at NCOA Jinja in preparation for retirement scheduled for July 2025.
