Lt Gen Okiding tells retiring officers, “Retirement is a blessing.”

Kampala | Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, has praised retiring officers for their selfless service to the country throughout the years.

He also praised the retirees for their “outstanding contributions to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.”

The deputy CDF was speaking during the official send-off ceremony for 144 senior officers at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.

Okiding, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, thanked the Commander-in-Chief, who is also Uganda’s President, for his efforts to bring peace to the country, describing retirement as a “dream come true” for the forces.

He encouraged the retiring officers to view this stage of life positively, citing Numbers 8:23-26 and Ecclesiastes 3:1 to emphasise the importance of timing and the fact that retirement is a blessing, not a punishment.

Okiding advised the retiring officers to invest wisely and not rush into any decisions, while also cautioning them to be mindful and vigilant in their thinking, as their decisions would greatly shape their future.

Brig Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff Human Resource Management, stated that retirement allows the army to be rejuvenated because the departure of seasoned and experienced officers makes way for a new generation of young officers, ensuring career progression and continuity within the force.

He also emphasised that retirement facilitates a smooth transition for retiring personnel into civilian life.

Colonel James Wamala, speaking on behalf of his retiring colleagues, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief for his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to promote peace and stability in the country.

He reflected on their long and difficult journey together, noting that they had reached the end of their service.

Wamala urged his fellow retirees to remain loyal and serve as exemplary ambassadors for the UPDF in civil-military relations.