SFC Commander Praises Museveni's Leadership as Officers Retire.

 

Entebbe, Uganda – The head of Uganda's Special Forces Command (SFC), Major General David Mugisha, has thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his leadership. Maj Gen Mugisha said that President Museveni's vision has turned the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern and skilled army.

"I thank President Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for his good leadership. He has changed the army from a group fighting a guerrilla war into a modern and professional force in the region," said Maj Gen Mugisha.

He made these comments at a ceremony where 52 SFC officers retired at the SFC headquarters in Entebbe. This group included eight high-ranking officers and 44 other soldiers.

Maj Gen Mugisha explained that President Museveni created a respectful way for soldiers to retire, making sure they leave with honor. "Today, our brothers and sisters retire proudly, walking out with their heads high and happy with the system they have served," he added.

He also praised the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for continuing to make the UPDF modern and for improving the lives of the soldiers. "His effort to create a good retirement plan means every soldier leaves with pride, dignity, and financial support," Maj Gen Mugisha said.

Speaking about the retiring officers, Maj Gen Mugisha called their service a story of dedication and sacrifice. "We are here not to mark the end of their service, but to honor a lifetime of sacrifice, commitment, and bravery. Today, we celebrate these great SFC officers who have served our country with strong dedication," he stated.

"You have served with bravery, honesty, and excellence, often in silence, danger, and in places many may never know. You protected our country, our leaders, and our government, showing what the UPDF stands for."

He advised the retiring officers to use their retirement money wisely by investing in things that will last. He told them to "avoid risky plans that might undo your years of service and remain good examples of our values in your communities."

"Retirement is not an end, but a new start. The battlefield might change, but the mission continues in your homes, communities, and the whole country. I ask you to keep the discipline and good values you had while serving," he said.

Colonel John Mango Baraza, who handles human resources at SFC, said retirement is important for managing staff well, allowing for smooth exits and new people to come in. He noted that the 52 retirees had served Uganda for 16 to 36 years.

Lieutenant Colonel Fred Mwesigwa, a former SFC director, thanked President Museveni for making the army professional. "There has been a big change in using new ideas and making our operations modern, adopting new technologies and ways that have greatly improved our ability to deal with new problems," he said. He encouraged his fellow retirees to help Uganda grow and remain good examples of the UPDF.

Captain Emmy Rubonga, speaking for the other retiring officers, thanked President Museveni and the UPDF leaders for their guidance. "For the time we served in the army, we learned a lot. To the CDF, we wish him a long life because he has worked hard to make the UPDF the best forces in the region and Africa," Captain Rubonga stated.

The ceremony was attended by both senior and junior officers of the Special Forces Command.