At least, 178 soldiers have today been retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Force’s 4th Division headquarters in Gulu.
The 178 applied to retire from the army for various reasons including old age, ill-health and for staying at the same rank for a long time.
Col. Fred Rugadya Akiki, the 4th Division Deputy Commander, while officiating at the ceremony, commended the officers for their service with honour.
Col Rugadya revealed that an undisclosed number of officers who had applied for retirement had their requests rejected on disciplinary grounds while others are serving jail terms.
Col. Rugadya urged the officers to dedicate their time serving the people in their communities stating that “retirement is not about you but about helping others so that they can succeed in life”.
Lt. Col. Akena Setty, the most senior of the retirees, thanked the UPDF for allowing him serve his country in different capacities. He urged his fellow retirees not to tarnish the good name of the UPDF which they have served and are now exiting willingly.
Lt. Col. Akena also reassured his mates that relatives and friends are ready to welcome them back home.
“It is the beginning of a new life, people at home are ready to welcome us and I ask you my mates not to abuse the good name of the UPDF which you joined willingly and are now exiting willingly,” Akena said.
When asked if the retirees may face challenges upon return to civilian life, Col. Rugadya said there is a possibility that some of the retirees may face challenges but noted that the UPDF has prepared them for such eventualities.
“Some of them may face problems but the UPDF as an institution before retirement prepares them” said Rugadya noted. “They applied and retired meaning they were prepared,” he added.
According to Rugadya, the UPDF trains counsels and trains its soldiers in financial management, health management and other skills needed to exploit opportunities outside of the military.
He urged the retired officers to be positive about life and keep healthy.
Among the retired were 2 females and 176 males. The officers were each given a certificate in recognition of their service to the country.
According to the UPDF Act, a soldier intending to retire applies to the Commissions Board chaired by the Chief of Defence Forces, which decides whether to grant the retirement or not within 90 days.
In August 2013, the UPDF issued new retirement guidelines, telling officers aged 50, at the ranks of major and below to voluntarily apply for retirement.
The army, in the same year, said that the officers at the rank of major and below are field battalion commanders. This level of operation, the army said, involves tedious work including walking long distances with foot soldiers, sometimes in rough terrain and hence needing strong-youthful officers.
Although the 178 officers are now retired, the army said they will continue to be part of the UPDF through being members of Wazalendo, the army’s saving and credit scheme.
