11 retired generals get Shs7 billion package

Eleven army generals, who bowed out of military service this year, have received Shs7.1 billion as their retirement package.

Information obtained by Daily Monitor indicates that President Museveni ordered the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to give every general a house, gratuity and allow them keep their official vehicles and three escorts.

The retirees include six major generals and five brigadier generals some of whom had served in the forces since 1963.
The major generals include Ali Kiiza (former chief presidential pilot); Joshua Masaba (presidential adviser on Air Force matters), Kasirye Ggwanga (presidential adviser on Security in central region), Hussein Adda (former commandant of Army General Headquarters Bombo), James Ssebaggala and John Mateeka.

Brigadier generals are Jacob Musajjawaza, Yowasi Kiiza, Stephen Othieno, Olanya Ojara and Mark Kodili Ayiasi.
While sending off the generals at State House Entebbe in June this year, the President and Commander-in-Chief directed the army leadership to enable the officers lead a good life.

Mr Museveni said given the nature of their military work, it was difficult for the generals to build houses during their time in service since they were always on the move.

Allocation
Army sources say each general has since received Shs250m to build a house and Shs400m as gratuity.
The UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire, confirmed the development, but was reluctant to disclose how much was given to the retired officers.

When pressed further to comment on the information that the generals had received Shs250m for a house and Shs400m as gratuity, Brig Karemire neither confirmed nor denied it.
“They received an institutionalised start-off modest retirement package that is within the means of the UPDF. The leadership has also remained approachable on a case by case [basis],” Brig Karemire said.

“Pension and gratuity based on years of service. So far so good as there are no complaints. They are integrating very well into a new life outside military service and are thankful to the commander-in-chief and UPDF leadership,” he added.

Maj Gen Ggwanga, who was promoted on retirement, confirmed he had received his package.
“I received my package and I am using it very well. I am sure even if the President comes here and sees what I am using the package for, he will be very happy and will give me more,” he told Daily Monitor by telephone from his farm in Mukono District.

Maj Gen Ggwanga, who retired after 46 years of military service, said he is using his package to grow organic crops because Ugandan crops are being denied entry into the European market for using herbicides.
“Come and see how I am utilising my package and you will be surprised,” Maj Gen Ggwanga said and urged his colleagues not to squander the package. However, he declined to reveal how much package he received.

In his farewell speech in June on behalf of his comrades, Maj Gen Masaba thanked Mr Museveni for liberating Uganda and committed that they were still ready to serve government even in retirement.

At the same function, Gen David Muhoozi, the Chief of Defence Forces, commended the retiring generals for dedicated service to their country, which saw some of them flee to exile during the volatile times.

Gen Muhoozi said UPDF would document the unique experiences of the generals for institutional memory.
Defence minister Adolf Mwesige said the country is indebted to the officers for their outstanding service.

PENSION SECTOR
A major general in the UPDF earns about Shs2.4m while a brigadier gets about Shs2m.The amount may vary with other considerations such as length of service. The pension and retirement benefit sector in Uganda is regulated by Uganda Retirement Benefits Regulatory Authority, which is guided by the Pensions Act 1994. Uganda runs a pension system which is non-contributory.
Thus, no deductions are made from the salary of workers in public service but government pays them pension from the consolidated fund.
A large amount of money may be paid out initially and then in bits overtime. There is also a provident fund, for example the National Social Security Fund guided by NSSF Act 1985. This applies mainly to the private sector and parastatals. Beneficiaries are expected to have contributed to the Fund during their time of service.