The UPDF has kicked off a sensitization and documentation Exercise of 148 Senior Officers between the ranks of Colonel and Major, ahead of their retirement at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
Brigadier General Emmanuel Kanyesigye, the Commandant Jinja Cantonment applauded the officers for the selfless service they rendered to the UPDF, Uganda, and Africa and reminded them that it is because of their efforts that the nation prides itself in peace.
He advised them that transitioning from command positions can be challenging, but they must be prepared to respect and comply with the authority of their respective community leaders.
He urged them to utilize their leadership skills honed during their service to complement and enhance the existing leadership, ultimately driving progress in their communities rather than conflicting with existing village authorities.
Brig Gen Kanyesigye urged the retirees to take pride in having lived to enjoy their retirement, and to utilize this phase of life to engage in socially and economically transformative activities, such as agriculture, to multiply their gratuity and secure a sustainable financial future.
By doing so, he said they will achieve full reintegration into their communities and ensure their hard-earned benefits are not depleted hastily.
Colonel Deborah Nayebare, the Deputy Chief of Pension, Gratuity, and Compensation, encouraged the retirees to view their retirement with positivity, not as a punishment, but as an opportunity to experience the other aspects of life that may have been missed during their dedicated years of service.
She reassured them that their pension remunerations are secure and tax-free, courtesy of the government, and advised them to wisely manage their finances by considering key investment principles: Where to Invest, how to invest, what to invest, and the level of the risk of your retirement, master the economic cash flow and always plan your asset acquisition.
Present were staff from the Pension Directorate, and Mr William Enyimu, the Principal Human Resource Officer, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
