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Retireing officers documenting their details as the exercise begins
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By Our Reporter
Jinja – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has begun a sensitisation and documentation exercise for 1,346 officers and militants set to retire in July 2025, marking Batch 15 of the formal retirement process. The exercise, currently underway at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Jinja, is designed to prepare retiring personnel for a dignified and purposeful transition to civilian life.
Brig. Gen. Kenneth Muheirwe UPDF Director Administration JSHRM talking to Retirees during batch 15 retirement and documentation exercise at NCOA
The exercise was officially launched with messages of congratulations and guidance from senior military leadership.
Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Commander of the Jinja Cantonment, hailed the milestone as both “noble and honourable,” emphasizing that retirement is a blessing when it comes with dignity. He commended the officers for their unwavering dedication to national service, particularly in key operations such as those against the Lord’s Resistance Army and efforts to stabilize the Karamoja sub-region.
“Retirement is not the end. It’s a new chapter—one that must be approached with caution, wisdom, and preparedness,” Brig Gen Kanyesigye said, urging retirees to avoid risky ventures and instead make informed financial decisions that preserve their benefits.
Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, Director of Pensions, Gratuity, and Compensation, echoed similar sentiments, cautioning officers to remain vigilant against fraudsters targeting their retirement packages.
“Do not be overly excited. Stay grounded. Build on what you already know, seek guidance, and avoid reckless spending,” he said. He also advised against polygamy, citing it as a common cause of financial strain among retired officers.
Importantly, Brig Gen Biryabarema assured the retirees that they would continue to enjoy access to various military services, including UPDF shops, schools, and healthcare, even after leaving active duty.
Brig Gen Kenneth Muheirwe, Director of Administration in the Joint Services Human Resource Management, praised the officers for their distinguished service and expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief for improving retirement benefits.
“Retirement is a strategic policy for institutional renewal and national development,” he stated. Quoting the Book of Numbers (8:23–26), he described retirement as a well-respected tradition, encouraging officers to embrace it with optimism, a spirit of personal growth, and a commitment to serve their communities.
Also in attendance were senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, including Mrs Harriet Kyomugisha, Assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Management, and Mr Mabonga Mike, Commissioner for Resettlement, Psycho-Social Support, and Rehabilitation.
As the UPDF continues its structured and dignified retirement process, the message is clear: service to the nation does not end with active duty. Retirees are expected to remain disciplined, resourceful, and engaged citizens.
Torch Media Africa
