Retirees during sensitization workshop
Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, the commandant of the Jinja Cantonment has warned retiring Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Colonels and Majors have been cautioned against using their military ranks and titles to assert authority in their villages.
“Transitioning from command positions can be challenging but you must be prepared to respect and comply with the authority of your respective community leaders. You should utilize your leadership skills earned during your service to complement and enhance the existing leadership of your areas,” Brig Gen Kanyesigye said.
He was addressing 148 Colonels, Lt Colonels, and Majors, who are set to retire in the coming weeks. He encouraged them to drive progress in their communities and avoid conflicts with existing village authorities. This advice was given during a retirement preparation session for 148 senior officers. The sensitization and documentation exercise focused on preparing retirees for life outside command positions that include perks like escorts, chauffeured vehicles, and sometimes free housing.
“I applaud you for the selfless service you have rendered to the UPDF, Uganda, and Africa. It is because of your efforts that the nation prides itself on peace. Take pride in having lived to enjoy your retirement, and utilize this phase of life to engage in socially and economically transformative activities,” Brig Gen Kanyesigye said.
The retiring senior officers have been advised to invest their retirement packages in ventures such as agriculture to multiply their gratuity and secure a sustainable financial future. “By doing so, you will achieve full reintegration into your communities and ensure hard-earned benefits are not depleted hastily.”
Colonel Deborah Nayebare, the Deputy Chief of Pension, Gratuity, and Compensation, encouraged retirees to view their retirement positively, not as a punishment. She emphasized that retirement is an opportunity to experience other aspects of life that may have been missed during their dedicated years of service.
“Your pension remunerations are secure and tax-free, courtesy of the government. You should manage them wisely and consider key investment principles such as where to invest, how to invest, what to invest, and the level of risk,” Col Nayebare said.
She added that retirees should master economic cash flow and always plan their asset acquisition. The sensitization and documentation workshop was also attended by principal human resource officers of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, including William Enyimu.
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