The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru has commended the retiring senior officers for their brave and devoted service to the country, starting from the NRA struggle and continuing throughout their career in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
She was speaking at the closure of the 5-day sensitisation and documentation exercise of 159 of 162 retiring Senior Officers at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja.
Hon. Oleru highlighted that their selfless attitude in taking up arms to defend their country when it was most needed, without any concern for payment but only for the sake of self-sacrifice. “You have played your part by serving Uganda in the most respected institution (UPDF) with honour. Your dedicated service wasn’t in vain because Uganda is now peaceful, thanks for your patriotic service that has yielded good fruits,” said Hon. Oleru.
She thanked the Commander-in-Chief for having created a Directorate taking care of veterans’ needs starting from payment of pensions to full reintegration realization.
She urged the retirees to take cautious care of their health and utilize the existing military hospitals whenever the need arises not engage in activities without proper research because it will result in the loss of their hard-earned pension remuneration.
Hon. Huda pledged continued support to the veterans community pointing out that the ministry is exploring avenues to provide them with more skills and opportunities during retirement which will enable them to continue being productive members of society.
Present were; Brig Gen Geoffrey Kigozi, Brig Gen Caesar Bahwezi, Col Robert Rutainama, Col Saad Katemba, Col Deborah Nayebare, Acting Commissioner HRM Mrs. Harriet Kyomugisha and Mr. Enyimu William.
