The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has retired 206 junior and non-commissioned officers at the Fourth Division Headquarters in Gulu, advising them to avoid political alliances aimed at unseating President Museveni.
Speaking at the retirement ceremony, Acholi Sub-Region’s Chairperson for Veteran Affairs, Rt. Lt. Alfred Ocaya, urged the retirees to steer clear of opposition influence and land disputes as they reintegrate into society.
“You are going home and there is this word in the community, ‘We need change, we need change’; if you join them to fight the government, we shall cancel you from there,” Rt. Let Ocaya said.
Ocaya also directed the veterans to report their presence to local security officials for ongoing monitoring, emphasising cooperation with security to prevent misunderstandings.
“There are those who retire from the military and don’t cooperate with the security, and we don’t know their intention, which you must avoid but report your presence,” he said.
Fourth Division Commander Brigadier General Felix Busizoori reminded the retirees to uphold discipline and focus on community stability, discouraging risky behaviours like sports betting or multiple marriages. Instead, he encouraged them to invest their retirement funds wisely.
“The period was to allow them to prepare their grounds before they are released to reunite with their home people and it’s good to go back home when you are still alive” Col. Kayanja explained.
Col. Jackson Kayanja noted that the three-year preparation period included counselling and mindset training to facilitate a smooth transition into civilian life.