The Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Major General David Mugisha, has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his visionary leadership that has evolved the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern and professional military force.
“I sincerely thank the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for his exceptional leadership, which has steered the army from its guerilla roots into a highly professional institution in the region,” said Maj Gen Mugisha.
He made these remarks while presiding over the retirement ceremony of 52 SFC personnel held at the command headquarters in Entebbe. The retiring group comprised eight senior officers and 44 enlisted ranks.
Maj Gen Mugisha highlighted President Museveni’s role in formalizing a dignified and honorable retirement process for soldiers. “Today, our comrades are exiting service with pride, having served their country with loyalty and now returning to their communities with dignity and recognition,” he said.
He also lauded the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for advancing the UPDF’s modernization agenda and improving troop welfare. “His dedication to establishing a respected retirement system ensures that each soldier departs with pride, dignity, and financial security.”
Paying homage to the retirees, Maj Gen Mugisha emphasized their legacy of service. “This occasion is not just to mark the end of their military careers, but to acknowledge their lifelong dedication, bravery, and sacrifice. You have served with honour, often away from the public eye, in difficult and risky conditions, guarding our nation, leaders, and institutions, and upholding the core values of the UPDF.”
He urged the retirees to make prudent use of their retirement packages by investing in sustainable ventures. “Please avoid risky ventures that may undo the gains of your service years, and continue to represent UPDF values in your communities,” he advised.
“Retirement is not a conclusion it’s the start of a new journey. The nature of the mission may change, but the responsibility continues in your homes, your communities, and across the nation. Uphold the discipline and principles that have guided you during your service.”
Colonel John Mango Baraza, the SFC Director of Human Resource Management, described retirement as a critical part of managing personnel that allows for orderly transition and sustainability. “Retirement plays a vital role in maintaining professionalism. It allows for career progression, knowledge continuity, stronger ties with civilian communities, and wise investment of benefits while individuals are still energetic,” he explained.
He noted that the 52 retirees had served between 16 and 36 years in the force.
Lieutenant Colonel Fred Mwesigwa, former Director of Communication and ICT at SFC, speaking on behalf of five other senior officers who retired earlier this month at Mbuya, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for transforming the army. “We’ve seen significant progress through the adoption of new technologies and innovative strategies that have greatly improved our ability to address modern security challenges,” he said.
He encouraged fellow retirees to contribute to national development and continue representing the UPDF positively.
Captain Emmy Rubonga, speaking on behalf of the retiring non-commissioned officers, thanked President Museveni and the UPDF leadership for their unwavering guidance. “Throughout our time in service, we’ve gained a lot. We’re especially grateful to the CDF, whose leadership has helped make the UPDF one of the finest forces in the region and Africa,” he said.
“To our Commander at SFC, thank you for your dedicated service and commitment to Uganda’s progress.”
The ceremony was attended by senior and junior officers of the Special Forces Command.
