resident Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has urged five retiring army generals to embrace wealth creation as they transition into civilian life.
“In the army you have been in service, you have been providing a security service to the country; that has been your Contribution. Now you should join wealth creation but in a safe way,” he said.
President Museveni made the remarks during a colourful farewell ceremony for the retiring senior army officers held at State House, Entebbe on Tuesday, September 24,2024.
The retirees are Maj. Gen. Silver Kayemba, Brig. Gen. Charles Kisembo, Brig. Gen. Godard Busingye, Brig. Gen. Fred Karara, and Brig. Gen. CA Kasaija.
The generals who were in company of their spouses, children and their extended families were awarded with certificates of service, recognition and souvenirs during the ceremony.
President Museveni congratulated the Senior army officers for serving UPDF diligently and maintaining the army principles over the years.
Recognizing the sacrifices made by military personnel, he addressed the critical need for a dignified retirement package.
“I struggled very hard to see that as you retire, you get a good package. That’s why I kept the casualty unit at Mubende. We can’t allow Ugandans who are injured and crippled in the army to go to the village when we are still getting these low salaries and be a pauper there.”
“Now that people are retiring, they must retire with something very reasonable. Don’t gamble by saying that I want to put money here to multiply quickly. Go for things which are durable,” he advised.
Gen. Museveni further encouraged the generals to consider investing in land, drawing on his own experiences.
“Do not get land from Kampala central at sh1b, go to other areas like Mubende. When I went to Kisozi in 1990, I was buying an acre of land at sh250,000. You can get good land now, and with that, you can establish a base for wealth creation. The economy of eating will never go away; even during the COVID-19 lockdown, people needed to eat,” he advised.
“And even with the four acres, you can have one acre of coffee , the army can have nurseries to get you free seedlings of coffee , fruits ,then you have one acre of pasture, one acre of food and in the backyard you put piggery if you are not a Muslim , then the eggs , chicken that’s a very good business. Then if you are near the wetlands, put in some fishponds, so then in that case you have got a base because this is the economy which will never go away. You can even put that money in safe investments where you don’t have supervision, like banks or insurance companies. You should now join wealth creation in a safe way.”
He expressed gratitude for the milestone UPDF has achieved, saying, “I thank God for blessing the UPDF. As Maj Gen. Kayemba noted, our forces have earned respect from New York and elsewhere.”
Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni also stressed the importance of accurate diagnoses of societal issues.
“When we came on the political scene in the 1960s, there was a lot of confusion. We had to distil accurate political ideas from that confusion,” he explained.
He criticised identity politics that plagued the nation and emphasised the need for unity.
“We identified three problems: lack of prosperity, lack of strategic security, and the failure to use the brotherhood of African people.”
He elaborated on the necessity of economic participation: “Prosperity comes from every adult participating in the production of a good or service.”
President Museveni concluded by reiterating the foundational principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.
“These principles address the historical mission of creating prosperity for our people,” he said.
Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, praised the retiring officers for their distinguished service and transformative impact of military training.
“In the last few years, I have realised the invaluable opportunity we have to work with the military,” Hon. Oboth stated.
“It is like we are at school. My colleague Hon. Huda and I are learning every day. The military is the only place where you join as you are and come out differently. People join with high school certificates, and others come out with PhDs. The visionary and strategic leadership you have provided to this country, especially to the UPDF, is commendable,” he said.
The Minister emphasised the international respect the UPDF has earned, saying: “The UPDF is currently one of the best-respected, organised, and professional armies not only in Africa but in the world. We thank you for helping and deploying us to be part of the best of the best.”
He also acknowledged the leadership of President Museveni, stating, “It is true that the world is looking up to you, Your Excellency. God has endowed you with qualities not given to many in leadership. You are patient with us and your fellow leaders, and your foresight is unmatched. Your leadership knows no borders.”
On the other hand, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding also lauded the President’s visionary leadership and stability of the nation and acknowledged the significance of retirement for military officers.
“Today, retirement appears new to us but it is not. There were mistakes in the past, but Your Excellency, you managed to put them right. I would like to thank the administration of the Ministry of Defence and also thank the family members of the UPDF,” he said.
Addressing the retiring officers, he remarked, “You are blessed from the hands of the UPDF, from His Excellency, and finally from the blessings of the Almighty God. I would like to thank the generals who are leaving active service. You did your best for your country, especially during turbulent times. Thirty-five, forty, or even forty-five years is no small feat—it has been a journey with all sorts of challenges.”
Speaking on behalf of his fellow retirees, Maj Gen. Silver Kayemba expressed deep gratitude for reaching this significant milestone in their military careers.
“We are five retirees in number, and I would like to thank God who has enabled us to reach this day; for the love and good health. Your Excellency, you have heard we have been in the army for 38, 39, 42, and 45 years. For me to stand here and say that we are in good health is wonderful,” he said.
On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank you for the leadership and guidance you have provided to us as we reach this day. You have offered guidance for the people of Uganda, particularly the UPDF.”
The ceremony was also attended by Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, the Minister for Defence (Veteran Affairs ) , the Permanent Secretary of the Defence Ministry, Ms. Rosette Byengoma , Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga , the Commander Land Forces , Active senior military officers, among others.
