By Vision Reporter
TWENTY-four UPDF officers retire from the army today at Bombo Army headquarters.

The officers include health minister Brig. Jim Muhwezi, East African Community Secretary General Maj. Amanya Mushega and state minister for communications Maj. Tom Butime.

Others are MPs holding constituency seats. They are Maj. Bright Rwamirama (Isingiro north), Maj. John Kazoora (Kashaari), Lt. James Kinobe (Katikamu South), Capt. Guma Gumusiriza (Ibanda north), Capt. David Matovu (Kooki) and Capt. Charles Byaruhanga (Kibale). Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga, an AIDS activist, will also retire.

Army spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza said the Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, will preside over the 10:00am ceremony.

“People don’t get out of the army like they are running away. They have been our commanders and leaders. We have to see them off ceremoniously and honourably for their great service,” Bantariza said.

The ceremony, initially scheduled for October 9, 2004 was cancelled twice.
The army said retired officers below 50 years of age are still governed by the army regulations and cannot discuss military issues without clearance.

The retiring officers will attend a military parade in their honour, before receiving their discharge certificates. Sources said some of them might be promoted before retiring.
Most officers are retiring to comply with the Political Parties and Organisations Act, which bars army officers from participating in active politics.

They join President Yoweri Museveni, who retired in April last year after being promoted from Lt. General to a General.

Others who retired in July last year were East African Legislative Assembly MP Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and Lt. Gen. Moses Ali, the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Disaster Preparedness.

After retirement, the officers are expected to surrender guns and other military hardware but will retain their uniforms for army or national ceremonies.

Nyakairima is expected to announce activities for the week, which will include the reburial of the remains of fallen soldiers at Kashaari in Mbarara district and at Butiaba.
Ends