Museveni to retiring Generals: Invest wisely, don’t rush into business
BY OKIDI PATRICK OCAMOYITDYEL
ENTEBBE, UGANDA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has urged 19 retiring General Officers to invest their retirement package wisely and avoid risky ventures.
Presiding over their retirement ceremony at State House Entebbe, President Museveni congratulated the Generals for their contribution to building a disciplined and professional force.
“First of all, I congratulate the Generals for the great contribution they made to the UPDF. The UPDF and NRM have been able to build security,” Museveni said.
The President advised the retirees to consider secure investments such as treasury bonds, fixed deposit accounts and small-scale agriculture instead of rushing into capital-intensive businesses.
“If you can put Shs600 million and you are getting 15 percent, by the end of the year that is Shs90 million profit,” he said.
“What will be safer is simply to put the money where it will earn interest. First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects,” Museveni added.
He said retirees who own land should consider rearing goats, fish farming and building rental houses, noting that goats have a ready market, reproduce quickly and do not require expensive artificial feeds.
“You can rear goats. Can you fail to get buyers? They don’t need artificial feeds. You can have them on a small scale, something simple, safe and sustainable,” he said.
Museveni also urged the officers to remain close to their families and communities and continue supporting society using experience gained during military service.
Those who retired include Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, Brig. Gen. E. Muhanguzi, Brig. Gen. S. Omara, Brig. Gen. F. Zakye, Brig. Gen. FR Akiiki, Brig. Gen. MS Kisame, Brig. Gen. PB Mwesigwe, Brig. Gen. ST Kashure, Brig. Gen. SN Ocan, Brig. Gen. MK Bitimbika, Brig. Gen. C. Bakahumura, Brig. Gen. CK Asiimwe and Brig. Gen. CM Muhindo.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, said the retiring officers had made significant contributions to the transformation of the UPDF and maintenance of peace and security through discipline and commitment.
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, urged them to remain ambassadors of the UPDF.
“The retirement marks the end of active military service for the Generals. You are our ambassadors out there, so keep representing us,” Kiwanuka said.
He also asked them to use knowledge from financial management training to champion wealth creation.
On behalf of the retirees, Gen. Katumba Wamala said they were handing over a disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice.
“We are handing to you a well-disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice. Please protect this legacy by upholding patriotism, professionalism and integrity and, importantly, respect the civilian population,” Katumba said.
The ceremony was attended by Ministers of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano and Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, among other senior UPDF officers.
About the Author
