Eighteen officers and 135 Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) from the UPDF 3rd Infantry Division were officially retired and sent off on Friday during a ceremony at the division headquarters in Moroto District.
The retirees were urged to remain ambassadors of the UPDF in their communities by maintaining discipline, promoting patriotism and engaging in productive ventures.
Speaking at the farewell ceremony, several retirees expressed gratitude for completing their military careers safely and looked forward to reuniting with their families and pursuing economic activities.
Sergeant Akabe Acheng, one of the senior female soldiers, said she had served for 15 years and would gladly continue serving if offered a contract. “I have retired, but I am not tired because of my passion for military service,” Acheng said.
Martin Ocheng, who retired as a Warrant Officer One, said he felt fortunate to be leaving the army alive.
“I have served for 54 years since I joined the forces in 1972. Many of my colleagues did not make it,” he said.
Johnson Okello also expressed gratitude, saying he joined the army at the age of 13 and had served for 39 years.
“I am happy to return home alive, where I will spend time with my family that has been missing me for decades. Now I plan to focus on productive activities,” Okello said.
Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Peter Awas, the Operation Wealth Creation Coordinator and Reserve Force Commander for Moroto District, urged the retirees to uphold the discipline they demonstrated while in service.
“As you return home in civilian attire, maintain discipline. Do not engage in violence that tarnishes the image of the UPDF. Stay close to your families instead of loitering and wasting resources, which can lead to poverty,” Awas said.
He also cautioned them against reckless spending, abandoning Wazalendo SACCO and living beyond their means, saying prudent financial management would help sustain them in retirement.
Col. Winston Mugarura, the Deputy Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the retirees for their contribution to restoring peace and securing the country’s borders.
“All our borders are now peaceful because of the sacrifices you made. As you return to your communities, be ambassadors of discipline. Understand the dynamics of civilian life and do not rush into risky investments,” Mugarura said.
He encouraged them to settle with their families, participate in government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, and use the opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
The Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma, urged the retirees to uphold the values of integrity, patriotism and hard work while embracing productive livelihoods. “You have been under command for decades. Now you have freedom, but that freedom comes with responsibility. Reckless spending can make you a victim,” Sserunkuma said.
He warned that indiscipline among retired soldiers could damage the reputation of the UPDF and encouraged them to prioritise their families, invest in agriculture and other income-generating activities, and avoid abandoning their wives and children.
Sserunkuma also advised officers still in active service to remain disciplined so they, too, could retire with honour and dignity. The ceremony was attended by UPDF officers, family members and local leaders-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
