The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched the final phase of its Retirement Documentation Exercise for Batch 14 today at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja, focusing on junior officers from the ranks of Lieutenant to Captain.
With retirement approaching for hundreds of officers, the UPDF emphasized the importance of vigilance against fraud—a growing risk as retirees receive their pension and gratuities.
Brigadier General Julius Biryabarema, Director of Compensation Pension and Gratuity (DCPG), urged retirees to be cautious of fraudsters targeting their hard-earned benefits.
He encouraged them to remain vigilant and to avoid sharing personal financial details with unauthorized individuals or groups.
Biryabarema advised retirees to build a trusted support network for guidance on financial matters to avoid falling prey to scams.
He emphasized that all entitlements—such as retirement packages, access to Army shops, healthcare facilities, and military schools—are secure and will be disbursed through formal channels.
He also highlighted that retirement is a chance for retirees to transition into new roles within their communities, providing opportunities for continued service in various capacities.
Colonel Kenneth Muheirwe, from the Joint Staff Human Resource Management office, commended retirees for their dedication to Uganda and their contributions to peace across Africa.
He acknowledged the UPDF’s ongoing commitment to its human resource policies, allowing service members to retire in good health and with dignity.
Quoting from Numbers 8:23-26, Col Muheirwe reminded the officers that retirement is a valued aspect of service, encouraging them to welcome this new chapter in their lives.
Among those in attendance were Lt Col Omasums Amanya, Deputy DCPG; Lt Col Kenneth Wabwire, Staff Officer Documentation; Harriet Nabunya, Assistant Commissioner of Planning at the Directorate of Veteran Affairs; representatives from the Veteran Legal Aid Clinic (VLAC); and other officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Pension Directorate.
The event reinforced the UPDF’s focus on supporting retirees while protecting them from financial exploitation during this critical transition.