End of era: Military shakeup looming in Kenya's neighbour as 19 generals retire
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- President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda presided over the retirement ceremony of 19 General Officers at State House, Entebbe
- Museveni advised the retiring generals to invest in treasury bonds, goat rearing, fish farming and rental housing for financial security
- Gen Edward Katumba Wamala spoke on behalf of the retiring generals, urging those remaining to protect the UPDF's legacy
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, serving in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF), officiated a retirement ceremony for 19 General Officers at State House, Entebbe.
Museveni praised the outgoing officers for upholding the core values of the UPDF throughout their careers, citing discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty as hallmarks of their service.
"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's Financial Advice to Retiring Generals
Beyond the ceremonial tributes, Museveni offered the retirees practical guidance on managing their post-service finances.
He encouraged them to explore low-risk investment vehicles, including treasury bonds, before committing funds to ventures requiring substantial capital.
"If you can put Shs600 million (roughly KSh 21.6 million) and you are getting 15%, by the end of the year that is Shs90 million (approximately KSh 3.2 million) profit," he said.
He also recommended goat rearing as a straightforward and accessible income stream, pointing to the animals' low maintenance requirements and consistent market demand.
"You can rear goats. Can you fail to get buyers? They don't need artificial feeds. You can have them on a small scale, something simple, safe and sustainable," he said.
The president further suggested placing savings in fixed deposit accounts and channelling the returns into additional projects such as fish farming and rental housing.
"First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects," he said.
Generals Urged to Remain UPDF Ambassadors
Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka told the retiring officers that stepping down from active service did not mark the end of their duty to the country.
"The retirement marks the end of active military service for the Generals, following years of service in the UPDF in different capacities. You are our ambassadors out there, so keep representing us," he said.
He also congratulated the officers and called on them to apply financial management skills acquired during service to build wealth in civilian life.
"Congratulations. Go with your heads high and represent Uganda. May God bless you and bless Uganda," he added.
On behalf of the retirees, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala delivered a farewell address underscoring the importance of preserving the institution's reputation.
"We are handing to you a well-disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice. Please protect this legacy by upholding patriotism, professionalism and integrity and, importantly, respect the civilian population," he said.
The full list of retiring officers includes Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita Gowa, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda and 12 Brigadier Generals, among others.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, also acknowledged the officers' contributions to the UPDF's transformation and the maintenance of national security.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.