The Uganda People’s Defense Forces have retired 47 army generals in a ceremony held at State House Entebbe.
According to the UPDF, 49 army generals were supposed to retire before the death of Gen Elly Tumwine, who breathed his last a few days ago at the age of 68.
Among the notable retirees, most of whom are part of the 1986 National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation group that brought the current government into power, are RO 00031 Gen David Sejusa, who is a former Coordinator of Intelligence Services, and Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, formerly Chairman of the General Court Martial.
Others include RO 00087 Lt. Gen John Mugume, RO 00038 Maj Gen Steven Kashaka, RO 00073 Maj. Gen Joram Kakaari Tumwine, RO 00122 Maj. Gen Manon Katirima Phinehas, RO 00167 Maj. Gen Elly Kayanja, RO 00266 Maj. Gen Geoffrey Balaba Muheesi and Uganda’s most decorated female military officer, RO 00217 Lt. Gen Proscovia Nalweyiso, who is currently serving as Special Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security.
Former Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura was also supposed to be among the retiring generals but he was not present at the event.
Meanwhile, speaking at the event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander In Chief (C-I-C) of the armed forces, urged the retiring officers to use the opportunity to create wealth for themselves now that the government is able to send them off with some good remuneration.
“You have done army work. Now go and do something in the economy in these last few years,” he said.
On behalf of the retiring officers, Gen Sejusa paid tribute to Museveni for providing leadership.
“I am proud to belong to the NRA/UPDF, which has made incredible strides. I thank the people of Uganda from all regions for their sacrifices.
We all know there was a phase in our struggle when our civilian population was the vanguard. They were our eyes, the ears, our protectors. They fed us and this phase took a bigger part of 1981,” he said.
Gen Sejusa noted that however much a lot has been done, a lot is yet to be achieved to consolidate the victories and the mission to liberate Africa.
“Therefore, continue training; take advantage of the opportunities being provided, make sure that you deepen your ideological horizons; but above all, love your nation and honor the people of Uganda always. They’re special people for there’s no greater honour than serving the people,” Gen Sejusa added.