UPDF honours retiring soldiers for decades of heroic service in Northern Uganda
The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has celebrated the dedication and sacrifices of its retiring soldiers in a send-off ceremony held at the 5th Infantry Division headquarters in Acholi Pii, Pader District.
The retirees were commended for their years of service in combating the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and Holy Spirit Movement insurgencies, which once destabilised Northern Uganda.
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Brig. Gen. Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, praised the soldiers for their crucial role in restoring peace in the region.
“Your service has played a crucial role in dismantling rebel groups that once plagued Northern Uganda,” he said.
He urged the retirees to be role models in their communities and encouraging local residents to recognize them as heroes.
Brig. Gen. Katungi advised the retirees to manage their retirement funds carefully, avoiding hasty investments, and to uphold discipline and respect for local authorities, citing President Yoweri Museveni as an example of dedicated service.
Col. (Rtd) Fearless Obwoya Oyat also addressed the retirees, cautioning them to stay vigilant and to avoid criminal associations.
He advised single retirees to be cautious in marriage decisions and discouraged married retirees from taking additional wives.
Among the retirees was Warrant Officer Class One Friday Samson, the most senior retiree with 41 years of service, who expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to continue working with his community to maintain peace.
Cpl. Adero Okot Lilly, who served for 27 years, reflected on her journey, joining the UPDF to combat Joseph Kony’s insurgency and building a secure future through her career.
