Museveni Warns Retired Generals: Don’t Gamble Your Pensions

(Entebbe) – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has called upon retired Generals to invest their retirement packages wisely, encouraging them to focus on assets that will offer long term value. Speaking at a retirement ceremony for five Generals held at State House in Entebbe, Museveni stressed the importance of resisting the temptation to squander their pensions. “That retirement package is very good for you, do not gamble,” he urged.

During the ceremony, President Museveni acknowledged the struggles soldiers have faced over the years, particularly in terms of low salaries. He shared how he fought hard to ensure that soldiers receive fair retirement benefits. Recalling his efforts, he said, “I struggled very hard to make sure that as you retire, you get a good package. That is why I kept the casualty unit in Mubende; I said I can’t allow a Ugandan who is injured and crippled in the army to go to the village when we are still getting these low salaries and be a pauper there.”

The President also reflected on the foundation of the UPDF, highlighting key values such as patriotism, Pan-Africanism, and socio-economic transformation. These principles, he said, have been instrumental in ensuring stability and growth for Uganda. He emphasized the need for a unified military that looks beyond national interests. “We need an army of Uganda, but the army of Uganda must also understand the importance of Africa,” he said, dismissing any form of sectarianism within the military ranks.

The event was attended by several key figures, including Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA). Hon. Oboth praised Museveni’s visionary leadership, crediting him for transforming the UPDF into a respected and professional military force, not only in Africa but globally. “The UPDF right now is one of the best, respected, organised, professional armies, not only in Africa, but in the world,” he remarked.

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, echoed these sentiments, quoting from the Bible to remind the retiring Generals that retirement is a natural part of life. He cited the book of Numbers 8:23-26, which talks about the transition of Levites at a certain age, likening it to the current phase for the retiring officers. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of the Generals during difficult periods of service.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Maj Gen Silver Kayemba thanked President Museveni for his leadership, which he said has brought global recognition to both Uganda and the UPDF. He extended gratitude to the families of the retiring Generals, seeking their support as the officers transition to civilian life. “The nature of our work took us away from you, and you accepted. Now the same nature has brought us back to you. We kindly ask you to be accommodative as we adjust back into this life,” Maj Gen Kayemba said.

The Generals honored at the ceremony were Maj Gen Silver Kayemba, Brig Gen Christopher Kasaija, Brig Gen Charles Kisembo, Brig Gen Godard Busingye, and Brig Gen Fred Karara. The event also saw the attendance of senior military and government officials, including Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs); Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces; and Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff. Family members of the retired officers were also present to witness the occasion.