Brig. Kayanya Muhanga, the 4th Division Army Commander based in Gulu has warned veterans against being lured into rebel activities.
While officiating at the retirement of 132 former army officers at Gulu Military Barracks on Friday last week, Brig Muhanga said because people he did not name are aware that the former soldiers are well trained on how to handle different weapons, they will try to approach the retired soldiers to lure them into fighting the government.
Brig. Muhanga warned that any act to use the veterans to fight the government will not yield any fruits.
Kayanya tasked the now retired soldiers to report to the authorities anyone who tries to recruit them to fight government.
The 4th Division commander lauded the ex- officers for serving the country diligently calling them heroes for their sacrifice to keep Uganda peaceful.
He urged the ex- soldiers to maintain discipline saying they can be recalled to serve in UPDF led peace keeping missions in volatile countries like Somalia and the South Sudan.
The 4th division boss told the retired soldiers to avoid a reckless life that can lead one to getting infected with diseases like HIV/Aids and Hepatitis. He said such disease can greatly affects one’s productivity thus making one a burden to their families.
The officers were retired on their own requests, on health ground and old age, among others.
One of the retirees, Maj Joas Mushabe from Kiruhura district thanked the army leadership for preparing them mentality to live a better life outside the force.
Maj Mushabe who served the force for 21 years also urged fellow retirees to remain disciplined saying it [discipline] is the key to success.