Africa-Press – Uganda. The Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, has commended President Museveni for his transformative leadership that has turned the UPDF into a modern and professional military institution.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to the President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, for his able leadership that has transformed the armed forces from a guerrilla-based struggle to a modern and professional institution in the region,” said Maj. Gen. Mugisha.
He made the remarks while officiating the retirement ceremony of 52 SFC officers at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe. The group included eight senior officers and 44 other ranks.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha credited President Museveni for redefining and institutionalising a dignified retirement system within the UPDF—one that allows soldiers to leave with honour, dignity, and financial support.
“Today our brothers and sisters retire honorably, walking out with their heads high and satisfied with the system they have been serving,” he said.
He also applauded the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his strategic leadership in modernising the UPDF and improving the welfare of officers.
“His commitment to establishing a dignified retirement framework has ensured that every soldier, upon completion of service, goes with pride, dignity, and financial support,” he added.
To the retirees, Maj. Gen. Mugisha offered words of appreciation and encouragement:
“We are here not merely to mark the end of service for our comrades but to honour a lifetime of sacrifice, commitment, and valour. You have served with courage, integrity, and distinction—often in silence, in danger, and in places many may never know. You defended our sovereignty, protected our leaders and institutions, and personified the ethos of the UPDF.”
He urged the retired officers to make wise use of their retirement packages by investing in sustainable ventures such as agriculture and small enterprises, and to avoid high-risk investments that could compromise their hard-earned service.
“Retirement is not the end but a new beginning. The battlefield may change, but the mission continues in your homes, communities, and the country at large. I urge you to maintain the discipline and ethos you have upheld while in service,” he said.
Col. John Mango Baraza, Director of Human Resource Management at SFC, who presented the officers for the award of certificates of service, highlighted the importance of retirement in the broader context of military professionalism.
“Retirement or discharge is one of the key personnel functions essential for proper administration, career management, and a professional exit. It ensures balance, multi-career progression, course continuity, civilian integration, and wise investment of retirement packages while officers are still active,” Col. Baraza noted.
He added that the retirees had served the nation with diligence, determination, and courage for periods ranging from 16 to 36 years.
Lt. Col. Fred Mwesigwa, the former SFC Director of Communication and ICT, spoke on behalf of five other senior officers who officially retired on July,14, 2025 at UPDF Headquarters in Mbuya. He acknowledged the strategic role played by President Museveni in professionalising the UPDF.
“There has been a remarkable transformation through innovative strategies, modernisation of operations, and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies that have greatly enhanced our capability to tackle emerging challenges,” Lt. Col. Mwesigwa said.
He encouraged retirees to actively engage in the socio-economic transformation of Uganda and continue being ambassadors of the UPDF’s values.
Capt. Emmy Rubonga, who represented the retiring officers of other ranks, also expressed gratitude to the President for his visionary leadership, which has elevated the professionalism of the UPDF and the SFC in particular.
“For the period we have served in the army, we have gained a lot. We wish the CDF a long life because of his efforts to make the UPDF among the best forces in the region and continent,” he said.
“To the Commander SFC, your dedication to service and national development has been an inspiration.”
The event was also attended by Brig Gen. Paul Namawa, the Chief of staff SFC, the commander of 3 Special Forces Group, Col. Wilson Bagonza, Brigade commanders, Directors, among others.
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