
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Fifty-two officers of the Special Forces Command (SFC) have gone into retirement. The retirees included eight senior officers and 44 other ranks.
The officers were seen off by Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, the Commander of the SFC at a colourful event held in Entebbe.
He honoured them for their incredible journey.
“We are here not to nearly mark the end of service of our comrades but to honour a lifetime of sacrifice, commitment and valour. Today we celebrate the retirement of the distinguished group of SFC officers and men who have served our country with unwavering dedication,” he said.
He said the officers have served with courage, integrity and distinction, often in silence, danger and in place many may never know.
“You defended our sovereignty, our country, protected our leaders and institutions and personified the ethos of the UPDF,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha further requested the retirees to use their retirement package wisely by venturing into sustainable and modest investments particularly in agriculture and small enterprises to ensure steady income.
“Avoid high risk ventures that may undo your years in service and remain Ambassadors of our values in your communities,” he advised.
He pointed out that retirement is not the end but the 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 held while in service.”
Maj. Gen. Mugisha, hailed President Museveni, who he said redefined an institutionalised retirement system, ending the days when leaving the army meant disappearing into the shadows.
“Today our brothers and sisters retire honorably, walking out with their heads high and satisfied with the system they have been serving,” he said.
Col. John Mango Baraza, the SFC Director of Human Resource Management, who presented the officers and men of SFC for the award of certificates of service, said retirement is one of the personnel functions through proper administration, career management and professional exit.
He said retirement is an important milestone someone can use to start new adventures and get more time with their family and so on.
“As we strive for professionalisation of the forces, retirement is fundamental since it ensures the balance in having a professional force,” he said, adding that it also enables multi-career progression, ensures course continuity, networking with the civilian communities and enables them to invest their retirement packages wisely while still able.
“The retiring officers have served their nation with diligence, determination and courage for our motherland Uganda 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 SFC officers who retired with him on 14th July 2025 at UPDF headquarters in Mbuya.