President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has been hailed for his visionary leadership in transforming the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern and professional institution, as 52 officers from the Special Forces Command (SFC) officially retired.
While presiding over the ceremony at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, Commander SFC Maj. Gen. David Mugisha praised the President, also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for his efforts in redefining the image of the army.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni… for his able leadership that has transformed the armed force from a guerrilla-based struggle to a modern and professional institution in the region,” said Maj. Gen. Mugisha.
The 52 retirees include eight senior officers and 44 other ranks. The ceremony recognized their service and celebrated their honorable exit from active duty.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha noted that under President Museveni’s guidance, the army has embraced a structured and dignified retirement system.
“Today our brothers and sisters retire honorably, walking out with their heads high and satisfied with the system they have been serving,” he said.
He also commended the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for strengthening the retirement framework and improving soldier welfare.
“His commitment to establish a dignified retirement framework has ensured that every soldier upon completion of his service, goes with his pride, dignity and financial support,” he added.
In a tribute to the outgoing officers, Maj. Gen. Mugisha described their careers as a legacy of service and sacrifice.
“You have served with courage, integrity and distinction, often in silence, danger and in places many may never know. You defended our sovereignty, our country, protected our leaders and institutions, and personified the ethos of the UPDF,” he said.
He advised the retirees to invest their retirement packages wisely in agriculture and small enterprises to maintain financial stability, urging them to avoid high-risk ventures.
“Retirement is not the end but the new beginning… the battlefield may change but the mission continues in your homes, communities and the country at large,” he said.
Col. John Mango Baraza, SFC’s Director of Human Resource Management, who presented the retirees for recognition, emphasized that proper retirement management enhances professionalism and allows for career transition.
“Retirement is fundamental since it ensures the balance in having a professional force. It also enables multi-career progression, networking with civilian communities, and wise investment of retirement packages,” he said.
The retirees have served Uganda for periods ranging from 16 to 36 years.
Lt. Col. Fred Mwesigwa, who spoke on behalf of six senior officers retired earlier this month at Mbuya, lauded the President for modernizing the army.
“There has been a remarkable transformation in implementing innovative strategies and modernising our operations… which have greatly enhanced our capabilities to tackle emerging challenges,” he said.
He also urged his fellow retirees to remain active in national development and act as UPDF ambassadors.
Capt. Emmy Rubonga, representing junior officers, echoed the sentiments.
“For the period we have served in the army, we have gained a lot. To the CDF, we wish him long life because he has endeavored to make the UPDF the best forces in the region and the continent at large,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by senior SFC leaders including Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, Chief of Staff; Col. Wilson Bagonza, Commander of 3 Special Forces Group; and several brigade commanders and directors.