President Museveni registered fears as he saw away the 14 generals, warning that they should not go to their villages and 'spoil our name'.
14 generals were last week retired from the army, including 604 senior officers.
The UPDF today retired 14 General officers and 604 senior and junior officers and men. Other ceremonies for the retirees were held at various respective service headquarters, formations and units.
President Yoweri Museveni oversaw the ceremony to see the 14 generals at State House in Entebbe.
President Museveni registered fears as he saw away the 14 generals, warning that they should not go to their villages and ‘spoil our name’.
Museveni said: “With Kasiimo, go and multiply it. Don’t squander it. Don’t go to the villages and become destitute and spoil our name. People will fear to join the army. Multiply it properly and live a comfortable life.”
He urged: “Go with your heads high up knowing those who wish Uganda well remain indebted to your service. You have diligently served Uganda and exhibited excellence in many fields.”
The President tipped the 14 generals: “Don’t look down on people, everybody is useful. The army will not be strong if you don’t have the support of the people. Don’t bark at people. We are strong and were attracting all those people.”
Museveni hailed: “Thank you for your contribution. We are proud because you have build a big capacity which has never been there before a big army of this size.”
The President who is also the commander in chief, recollected: “I am happy to be here to witness success of a miracle. I wrote a book – the Mustard Seed – a small seed which was planted but produced a big tree. This here is just a sample! Each individual’s story is a miracle. How each became part of the resistance movement! Everybody has a story to tell.”
He went on: “By the time Kampala was captured, we had a force of 9000. Banyankole call it okutubula (Making something small grow big) This is NRM, Ivan was the original seed.”
The retired Generals included Gen. Ivan, Koreta, Lt.Gen. Pecos Onesmus Kutesa, Lt. Gen. Jim Beesigye Owoyesigire, Maj.Gen. Amb. Robert Rusoke, Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha, Maj. Gen. Christopher Murema Kazoora, Mag. Gen. Moses Wadimba Ssentongo, Maj. Gen. Innocent George Oula, Brig. Gen. Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe, Brig. Gen. Shaban Moses Lukyamuzi, Brig. Gen. John Kasaija, Brig. Gen. Muhamed Abiriga and Brig. Gen. Frank Kanyarutokye.
Senior Officers included Maj. Gertrude Nanyunja Njuba, Maj. Hajjat Jannat Mukwaya, Maj. Abdul Nadduli, Maj. Abby Hafez Mukwaya, Maj. Henry Jjuko Walugembe, Maj. Stephen Katenta Apuuli Kapimpina, Maj. John Kaddu, Maj. Sula Sserunjoji, Maj. Fred Ntege and Maj. Ronald Richard Magezi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M48U1LDVS3Y
Award winning journalist and writer who has worked as a stringer for a couple of acclaimed South Africa based German journalists, covered 3 Ugandan elections, 2008 Kenya election crisis, with interests in business and sports reporting.
