Five Senior UPDF Generals Retire, Museveni Highlights Wealth Creation Strategies

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has urged five retiring army generals to embrace wealth creation as they transition into civilian life.

“In the army, you have been in service, providing a security service to the country; that has been your contribution. Now, you should join wealth creation, but in a safe way,” he said.

President Museveni made these remarks during a colorful farewell ceremony for the retiring senior army officers held at State House, Entebbe, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

The retirees are Maj. Gen. Silver Kayemba, Brig. Gen. Charles Kisembo, Brig. Gen. Godard Busingye, Brig. Gen. Fred Karara, and Brig. Gen. CA Kasaija.

The generals, accompanied by their spouses, children, and extended families, were awarded certificates of service, recognition, and souvenirs during the ceremony.

President Museveni congratulated the senior army officers for serving the UPDF diligently and maintaining the army’s principles over the years.

Recognizing the sacrifices made by military personnel, he addressed the critical need for a dignified retirement package: “I struggled very hard to ensure that as you retire, you get a good package. That’s why I kept the casualty unit at Mubende. We can’t allow Ugandans who are injured or crippled in the army to go back to the village with low salaries and live as paupers.”

He added: “Now that people are retiring, they must retire with something substantial. Don’t gamble by putting money into risky ventures. Go for things that are durable,” he advised.

Gen. Museveni further encouraged the generals to consider investing in land, drawing on his own experiences.

“Do not buy land in Kampala central at sh1b. Go to areas like Mubende. When I went to Kisozi in 1990, I was buying an acre of land at sh250,000. You can still get good land now, and with that, you can establish a base for wealth creation. The economy of eating will never go away; even during the COVID-19 lockdown, people still needed to eat,” he noted.

“And even with just four acres, you can have one acre of coffee. The army can provide nurseries to get you free coffee seedlings, fruit trees; then, have one acre for pasture, one acre for food crops, and in the backyard, you could raise pigs if you are not Muslim. You could also raise chickens—that’s a very good business. If you’re near wetlands, consider setting up fishponds. In this way, you establish a base because this is the kind of economy that will never fade. You can also invest in safe ventures like banks or insurance companies. It’s time to embrace wealth creation in a secure manner.”

He expressed gratitude for the milestones UPDF has achieved, saying, “I thank God for blessing the UPDF. As Maj. Gen. Kayemba noted, our forces have earned respect from New York and beyond.”

Reflecting on Uganda’s political history, President Museveni emphasized the importance of accurately diagnosing societal issues.

“When we came onto the political scene in the 1960s, there was a lot of confusion. We had to distill accurate political ideas from that confusion,” he explained. He also criticized the identity politics that once plagued the nation and stressed the need for unity.

“We identified three key problems: lack of prosperity, lack of strategic security, and failure to leverage the brotherhood of African people,” he said.

He elaborated on the necessity of economic participation: “Prosperity comes from every adult participating in the production of a good or service.”

President Museveni concluded by reiterating the foundational principles of the National Resistance Movement (NRM): patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy.

“These principles address the historical mission of creating prosperity for our people,” he said.

Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, praised the retiring officers for their distinguished service and the transformative impact of military training.

“In the last few years, I have come to realize the invaluable opportunity we have to work with the military,” Hon. Oboth stated. “It is like being in school. My colleague Hon. Huda and I learn something new every day. The military is the only place where you join as you are and come out transformed. Some people join with high school certificates and leave with PhDs. The visionary and strategic leadership you have provided to this country, especially to the UPDF, is commendable.”

The Minister emphasized the international respect the UPDF has earned, saying: “The UPDF is currently one of the best-respected, organized, and professional armies, not only in Africa but globally. We thank you for helping to make us part of the best.”

He also acknowledged President Museveni’s leadership, stating, “It is true that the world looks up to you, Your Excellency. God has endowed you with qualities that are rare in leadership. You are patient with us and your fellow leaders, and your foresight is unmatched. Your leadership knows no borders.”

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, also lauded the President’s visionary leadership and the stability of the nation, acknowledging the significance of retirement for military officers.

“Retirement may seem new to us, but it is not. Mistakes were made in the past, but Your Excellency, you corrected them. I want to thank the administration of the Ministry of Defence and also the families of the UPDF officers,” he said.

Addressing the retiring officers, he remarked, “You are blessed by the UPDF, His Excellency, and by the Almighty God. I want to thank the generals leaving active service. You gave your best for your country, especially during turbulent times. Thirty-five, forty, or even forty-five years of service is no small feat—it has been a journey full of challenges.”

Speaking on behalf of his fellow retirees, Maj. Gen. Silver Kayemba expressed deep gratitude for reaching this significant milestone in their military careers.

“We are five retirees, and I want to thank God for enabling us to reach this day with love and good health. Your Excellency, you have heard that we have served in the army for 38, 39, 42, and 45 years. Standing here today, in good health, is truly a blessing,” he said.

He added, “On behalf of my colleagues, I want to thank you for the leadership and guidance you have provided to us. You have been a guiding force for the people of Uganda, particularly the UPDF.”

The ceremony was also attended by Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, the Minister for Defence (Veteran Affairs), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ms. Rosette Byengoma, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of Land Forces, and other senior military officers.