KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has commenced a twenty-one-day documentation and sensitization exercise for the retirement and discharge of UPDF Officers and militants under Batch 12 who are scheduled to retire in July this year.
The exercise was launched Monday April 25, at the 1st Infantry Division Headquarters in Kakiri, Wakiso District. A total of 145 officers and militants under the 1st Division turned up, for the exercise, the most senior being Colonel Bosco Henry Oworinawe.
During the exercise, the officers were taken through various presentations aimed at helping them understand the retirement process, their entitlements, and how to cope with life after retirement.
The 1st Division Second in Command, Brigadier General Joseph Ssemwanga who represented the Division Commander Maj Gen Sam Kawagga hailed the retirees for their commitment and dedication, while in service.
“It is because of your sweat,” Brig Gen Ssemwanga said, “that we have peace in Uganda. This is an Island of peace.”
He also urged the officers and militants who will soon transition into civilian life, to maintain the discipline acquired over the years in service, so as to steer away from trouble and criminality.
Brig Ssemwanga also advised the retirees not to abandon the Wazalendo SACCO, noting the numerous benefits that come with being a member of the savings and credit co-operative society, even as reservists.
In his closing remarks he thanked God for the life of the retirees, noting that some of their colleagues had paid the ultimate price, losing their lives in battle, during service.
He also cautioned those still in active service to prepare because retirement is inevitable and will always come.
Brig Gen Eugene Ssebugwawo the Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration and also head of the exercise urged the impending retirees to be meticulous with the documentation, so as to avoid inconveniences.
The exercise is being conducted by a joint technical team of General Officers and Senior Officers including the Chief Pensions and Gratuity Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, the Director Records Brig Gen Ceasar Bahwezi, the Director Career Planning Brig Gen Bbosa Kato, representatives from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and other key directorates who also made presentations under their respective dockets.
The exercise will be conducted at each UPDF Division, formation and service Headquarters for the next three weeks.
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