UPDF retirees told to protect army image as 5th Division releases 119 in Pader
Presiding over the ceremony, the 5th Division Infantry Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5th Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to the retirees for their dedication in combating the Lord’s Resistance Army and Holy Spirit Movement insurgencies in Northern Uganda.
A section of the UPDF retirees with the 5th Division Commander, Gen. Keith Katungi and other senior UPDF officials at Achol-pii in Pader district. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)
PADER - The 5th Division Infantry headquarters at Acolpii in Pader district, on Friday, bid farewell to 119 retired Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) army officers at the colourful farewell witnessed by their families and local leaders from across northern Uganda, among other guests.
Presiding over the ceremony, the 5th Division Infantry Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5th Infantry Division, expressed gratitude to the retirees for their dedication in combating the Lord’s Resistance Army and Holy Spirit Movement insurgencies in Northern Uganda.
Calling on the retirees to remain patriotic and uphold discipline, he also expressed gratitude to the retirees for their diligent service and urged them to use their retirement package responsibly, as they were tough on financial literacy in the army.
“As you go home, remember where UPDF comes from: the first united army of Uganda, and that this means a lot in the politics of Uganda,” he said on August 07.
Col. Gai Fraser Mpadwa, the deputy 5th Infantry Division commander, said the retirees stood to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
He added that whereas their retirement marks the end of active military service, it's not the end of service to the nation.
Col. Gai also urged the retirees to exhibit wisdom and remain valuable assets for their communities and that they should continue to be ambassadors of discipline, Patriotism, and good citizenship whenever they go.
Gen. Katungi said those retiring have almost 100% benefits from the UPDF, including: the medical, education, UPDF shop and recruitment, among other entitlements. (Credit: Joseph Ekol)
He also thanked the families of the officers for their patience, resilience and support, which he said enabled the officers to serve the country effectively till their retirement.
Alfred Akena, the LCV of Pader district, thanked the 5th Division Commander for coordinating the security in the region, especially during the general elections, when he excellently coordinated the security, ensuring a peaceful exercise.
As Local Governments, Akena pledged they will introduce retirees to government programs like NUSAF, PDM, Emyooga, climate resilience agriculture and other development programs that are coming, encouraging them to join those to join the money economy.
“Use the package you are getting from here to venture into development so that you are able to grow your families,” Akena urged retirees.
The local government commended the army development, saying UPDF cooperated with the district's leadership, leading to many developments in the areas, which have made the community so impressed.
Lomongin Augustine, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Pader district, urged the retired officers to relate well with the civilian population and the civil leaders.