Pader Deputy RDC Lomongin Augustine rallies 119 UPDF retirees to ‘protect the gain with the Bible’
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
ACHOLPII– PADER: The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Pader, Lomongin Augustine, has rallied 119 UPDF retirees to remain productive, religious and financially disciplined as they transition to civilian life.
During the send-off function on Friday, 7th August, 2026, held at Tyer village, Acholpii 5th Infantry Division Headquarters, DRDC Lomongin rewarded RA 137788 WO1 Bernard Okello, with a new Bible and urged all retirees to use the scriptures to guide them.
“I thank you for being patriotic enough. No one should undermine the power of any person at any level. Protect the gains of this country with the Bible as you retire for wealth creation agenda,” Lomongin said.
He urged the retirees to engage in commercial agriculture instead of “unproductive work like marrying new women or joining unproductive drinking groups in the community.”
“Sometimes the people you relate with can mislead you. Learn to save money and always be part of government programs like PDM, Emyooga, and NUSAF IV. Practice commercial agriculture and use your pension money to open 4-hectare model farms. But do not be brought down by excessive consumption of alcohol,” he added.
“God is the overall person. It is better to be religious and know God as you retire to your ancestral places. The Bible has the Ten Commandments and the word of God. At least have a Bible in your home,” Lomongin concluded.
Longest-serving retiree honoured:
The Guest of honour, 5th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi, extended gratitude to the outgoing soldiers on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, the CDF, and the entire UPDF top management.
He commended the retirees for their discipline and moral integrity, and warned them against squandering their gratuity.
“There are people outside waiting to see you waste your money and later turn you into a laughing stock. Beware of the shocking sides of human nature,” Maj. Gen. Katungyi cautioned.
RA 137788 WO1 Bernard Okello, the longest-serving retiree with 47 years of service and formerly of Alpha Battalion, received a double gift – a Bible from the Deputy RDC Pader and Shs 1 million from Maj. Gen. Katungyi.
Okello said he intends to invest in goat and chicken farming. He has 14 children and has already built a 24-room house in Kitgum Matidi, Pawidi Parish.
Pader District LC5 Chairperson Akena Alfred, who also chairs LC5 chairpersons in Acholi Sub-region, announced that every household in Pader will be required to have at least 1 acre of cassava starting next year to ensure food security.
He thanked the UPDF for its service in Pader and pledged to fight corruption in line with the President’s “No More Sleep” campaign. He also commended the Division Commander for his role in ensuring peace during the just concluded elections.À
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