The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs/UPDF carried out a documentation and sensitization exercise for Batch 12 retirement and discharge at Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe on Monday.
The exercise was jointly attended by impending retirees from two services of the UPDF – Air Forces and SFC. A total of 61 Officers and men were documented and sensitized.
Col Geofrey Turuma Head of Airpower at Uganda Airforce College and an Aviation consultant who is the most senior among retirees thanked the UPDF leadership.
He mostly thanked the Air Forces for the trust they had in the personnel due for retirement in regard to the different and sensitive appointments they have held throughout their period of service.
He expressed satisfaction with the UPDF leadership and pledged to continue serving his country if or when called upon to lend a hand.
During the exercise, various MODVA/UPDF representatives shared information including benefits after retirement, financial literacy, and human resource management among others.
Retirement benefits are determined by one’s period of service.
“You can always come for medical attention for you and your family to any military hospital, Wazalendo SACCO is still your saving co-operative and Defence Forces Shop is still accessible. The
UPDF leadership still holds you great,” said Brig Gen Eugene Ssebugwawo Deputy Chief of Personnel and Administration.
Brig Ssebugwawo who is also the Head of the Exercise urged the retirees not to let the word ‘retirement’ stop them from working if they feel the need to.
“You are retired but not tired”, he urged the officers and militants,” he said.
He also advised them on the need to work even if it is part-time in order to supplement their pensions and or work so as just to face the challenges that come with work.
Brig Ssebugwawo encouraged them to make themselves busy by joining beneficial Clubs like Rotary Clubs, and get involved in Community services mostly the Veteran SACCOS and activities.
“An idle mind is a devil’s workshop,” he quoted.
Maj Moses Iliamaso Air Force Staff officer in Charge of Career Planning, on behalf of Air Force Director Personnel and Administration Brig Gen Rebecca Mpagi applauded the exercise team for their endeavours and packages delivered to the retirees and promised to emphasize the same till the retirement day when the opportunity avails.
He also urged the retirees to have a vision and leave by it once they return to civilian life.
Today 10th May 2022, the team is in Land Forces Headquarters Bombo, where the largest number of retirees are expected to be handled.
