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Several senior officers of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have been discharged into retirement.

Several, formally released on Friday, include officers who have served for more than 30 years.

Lt.Gen.Peter Elweru (l) handing over a certificate to Col.wilson Twesigye

Col Godfrey Okello has served the army for 40years, Col Christopher Bamanya, who has been in the army for 44 years, and Col. Kamulari Katwekyire, who has served the army for 38 years, were among the 93 officers discharged on Friday at a colorful ceremony in Kampala.

Deputy Chief of Defense Forces and Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, presided over the ceremonies at the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs in Mbuya city suburbs.

The retirement ceremony of senior army officers in the ranks of colonel, lieutenant colonel, and major is the first of a series that will be held at different UPDF divisions in the country.

Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu has advised the officers who retired from the army, to devote more time to nurturing children into responsible citizens.

Col. Christopher Bamanya retiring after 44 years of service

‘Take your time and speak to your children and grandchildren. Because it is our time to sit with them, nature because our children today have gone other ways, they are not what we used to be, it’s our duty for us to bring back the children we used to be,” said Elwelu.

Care for your family:

Apart from nurturing children, Elwelu also called on the retiring officers to use the resources available to prepare for their families by providing decent shelter, daily income, and medical care for the families to enjoy their retirement.

“You have the opportunity now to prepare for your families, give them medical care, daily income, that is what you should prepare for your families when you are gone. don’t waste your time on other things,” he added.

Other high-ranking officers discharged are

 'Col. Michael Shimanya, Maj Stela Karungi, Maj Wilson Mafabi, Maj.Richard Kidega and Lt Col Ismael Semiganda, Lt Col Godfrey Musis among others.