By Our Reporter 

ENTEBBE — Lt Gen Charles Angina is among 19 senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers who have retired from active military service following a ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House, Entebbe.

President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, commended the retiring officers for their years of service and contribution to the country’s defence and security.

The President particularly praised the officers for upholding the values of discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty throughout their military careers.

> “First of all, I congratulate the Generals for the great contribution they made to the UPDF. The UPDF and NRM have been able to build security,” Museveni said.

Museveni urged the retired officers to manage their finances carefully and prioritise secure investments that can provide sustainable income during retirement.

He encouraged them to consider treasury bonds and fixed accounts, cautioning against immediately committing large amounts of money to ventures that could expose their savings to unnecessary risks.

Using an example, the President said an investment of Shs600 million at an interest rate of 15 percent could generate Shs90 million in a year.

He also encouraged retirees who own land to consider ventures such as goat rearing, saying the animals have a ready market and can be raised without expensive artificial feeds.

The President further suggested that retirees could use returns from their savings to finance projects such as fish farming and rental housing.

“First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects,” he advised.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, commended the retiring officers for their contribution to the transformation of the UPDF and the maintenance of peace and security.

Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka urged the retirees to continue contributing to national development even after leaving active military service.

“You are our ambassadors out there, so keep representing us,” he told them.

The Minister also encouraged the officers to use the knowledge gained through financial management training to promote wealth creation in their communities.

Speaking on behalf of the retiring generals, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala said the officers were handing over an institution built through sacrifice, discipline and dedication.

He urged serving officers to protect the UPDF’s legacy by maintaining patriotism, professionalism and integrity while respecting the civilian population and remaining loyal to the Constitution.

Among the other senior officers retiring are Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita Gowa and Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, alongside several brigadier generals.

The officers have served in various command, operational, administrative and strategic positions during their military careers.

The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officers and officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, including State Ministers Akifeza Grace Ngabirano and Huda Abason Oleru.

The retirement marks the end of active military service for the 19 officers, while their experience and contribution remain part of the institution’s history and legacy.