Air Force retirees cautioned on risky investment, reckless spending
Okidi cautioned the retirees against reckless spending and risky investments, warning that poor financial decisions could quickly erode their retirement packages and monthly pensions.
Retired Air Force soldiers pose for a photo with their commanders during a ceremony held on Friday in Entebbe Municipality. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)
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After decades of serving the country in uniform, 56 Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Air Force soldiers on Friday took their final ceremonial steps out of active military service as salutes, military honours and delightful tunes by the army band punctuated the end of their long careers
For many, the occasion marked an emotional farewell to a profession that had shaped much of their adult lives.
Yet, rather than leaving with their heads bowed, the retirees were celebrated for the years given to the country, as colleagues and commanders honoured their sacrifice, discipline and service.
As the celebrations ushered them into a new chapter, Air Force Commander Lt Gen. Charles Okidi cautioned the retirees against reckless spending and risky investments, warning that poor financial decisions could quickly erode their retirement packages and monthly pensions.
"With your retirement package and monthly pension, if you have not planned for this money, life is not going to be easy," Okidi said.
He urged the retirees to use the transition to reassess their financial habits, distinguish between their needs and wants, set clear financial goals and closely monitor their income and expenditure.
"There are these schemes dubbed ‘get rich,’ which ought to be avoided," he cautioned.
The commander said retirement should not be viewed simply as the end of a military career, but as an opportunity to begin another phase of life outside the uniform. He urged the retirees to use the opportunity to strengthen their families, maintain close relationships and prioritise their health.
Okidi also advised them to pay attention to their diet and social lives, saying good health and a united family would be important as they adjust to life after active service.
Meanwhile, the air force commander also seized the platform to warn the remaining serving officers against trying to accumulate wealth through dubious means in preparation for retirement, saying such conduct could result in dismissal from the force.
"This is kisanja (term) no sleep and zero corruption."
The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Brig. Gen. James Itungo, urged the retirees to carry the values of military service with them even after leaving active duty. Itungo said the retirement ceremony was a celebration of years of service, sacrifice and discipline, noting that each retiree had deliberately chosen the path of serving the country.
He reminded them that although they were retiring from active service, they should not retire from the values that defined their careers.
Itungo also paid tribute to the spouses and families who stood alongside the retirees throughout their careers, noting that although one person wore the military uniform, its demands and implications extended to the entire family.
Representing the retirees, retired Col. Patrick Mutome described military service as a privilege and honour, saying they were leaving active duty with pride in what they had accomplished.
Mutome said the retirees had shared the challenges and triumphs of military life while remaining united by their commitment to protecting the country.
He expressed optimism that the next generation of officers would uphold discipline, professionalism, integrity and the principle of service above self.
The retirement of the 56 Air Force personnel is part of a wider UPDF retirement exercise taking place this month.
According to Col Chris Magezi, the acting Director of Defence Public Information, 19 long-serving general officers are scheduled to retire on August 20 at State House Entebbe.
Their retirement would formally bring the August send-off exercise to a close, with a total of 1,817 officers and other military personnel retiring during the month.
The cohort comprises 19 general officers, 229 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 militants.