Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Reserve Force, Maj. Gen. Joseph Ssemwanga, has commended military veterans across the Teso, Elgon, and Busoga sub-regions for bolstering national security by encouraging their children to join the armed forces.
Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga made the remarks during an operational tour of the three eastern sub-regions, which centered on assessing veterans' welfare, outlining the strategic mission of the Reserve Force, and strengthening civil-military cooperation.
He paid tribute to the veterans for their past service and sacrifices, commending their continued patriotism in guiding the next generation into the UPDF.
The Reserve Force Commander urged veterans to take pride in their children's military service and called on local communities to warmly welcome and reintegrate soldiers returning from active assignments.
Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga emphasized that military service should unify rather than alienate personnel from their families and communities, noting that returning troops require social support to reintegrate peacefully.
He further noted that veterans remain vital security partners due to their institutional knowledge and local standing, which position them to mentor youth, instill patriotism, enforce civic discipline, and drive community development.
The commander underscored that resilient civil-military relations depend on families and communities understanding service responsibilities and providing an enabling environment for returning troops.
The tour also served as an open engagement platform to resolve veterans' welfare challenges and coordinate closer ties among former service personnel, active troops, and civic leadership.
Maj. Gen. Ssemwanga was accompanied throughout the tour by the Chief of Staff of the Reserve Force, Brig. Gen. Ssekiranda Mwanje, alongside several directors from the formation.
