Chief of Defence forces Gen. Katumba Wamala has warned the retired UPDF officers not to use the army uniforms to intimidate the public. Gen. Katumba who was speaking during the decoration, retirement and promotion of several UPDF Soldiers said that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had been transformed from a ragtag army into a modernized professional army.
“You are leaving behind a strong formidable force and inspired officers and I strongly warn you not to use the army uniforms to intimidate people and to get advantage over your opponents” Gen. Katumba told the retired army officers at a ceremony held at the Mbuya Military Head Quarters on Wednesday.
“Some of you have expressed interest in vying for political positions in the 2016 elections, I would like urge you to refrain from ideological and bad politics” Gen. Katumba added.
The Fourteen UPDF officers who were retired included Maj.(rtd) Pola Awich, Maj.(rtd) Dr. Amos Makumbi, Maj.(rtd) Betty Akello, Capt. (rtd) Donozio Mutabazi, Lt.(rtd) Kigula, Maj.Kigula, Maj.(rtd) Aziz Kyeyune, Maj. (rtd) Fred Kyagulage, Capt. (rtd) David Kironde, Capt. (rtd) Kenneth Rwehenju, Capt. (rtd) Lodwick Byahurwa, Capt.(rtd) Abubaker Musa Kalume, Capt.(rtd) Ben Agaba, Lt.(rtd) Thomas Igaga.
Some of the retired army officers who have expressed interest in joining politics include Maj.(rtd)Polar Awich who wants to unseat UPC’s Jimmy Akena in the Lira Municipality seat while Maj.(rtd) Betty Akello wants to unseat FDC’s Serere woman MP Alice Alaso.
Gen. Katumba congratulates Promoted Army Officers.
At the same ceremony four officers were promoted from the rank of Colonel to the rank of Brigadier and these included Brig.Tom Tumuhirwe, Brig. George Igumba, Brig.Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi and Brig. Innocent Oula. The army also promoted thirty six (36) officers from the rank of Lt.Col. to the rank of Colonel.
Gen. Katumba congratulated all the promoted soldiers and also applauded their families. “I would like to thank your spouses who remain behind and raise the children while you are away” he said.
He added that this was a usual practice of the UPDF’s Journey to building a professional army. “The UPDF has transformed into an institution that develops, trains and nurtures men and women of good character” Gen. Katumba noted.
He stressed that promotions in the UPDF are paged to performance, discipline and trainings. “These new promotions come with new opportunities and responsibilities” he stated. “We shall continue to ensure that the welfare of soldiers is improved and maintained” he added.
However he expressed his disappointment towards soldiers who report to Members of Parliament over promotions. “I get irritated when some soldiers report to Members of Parliament over promotions. In the UPDF we evaluate and reward accordingly, there is no short cut” he advised the soldiers.
