Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has commended senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces officers retiring from active service, hailing their contribution to Uganda’s security and national development.

Chairing Tuesday’s plenary sitting, Tayebwa, on behalf of Parliament, congratulated the officers for their years of dedicated service to the country.

Among the senior officers retiring are General Katumba Wamala, Lieutenant General Charles Awany Otema, Lieutenant General Charles Angina, Major General Geoffrey Katsigazi, Major General Henry Masiko, Major General Leopold Kyanda and Major General Abel Kandiho, among others.

They are part of 1,591 UPDF personnel scheduled to retire this month.

The retirement list comprises 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 militants drawn from various formations and units across the country.

Meanwhile, three ministers have taken the Oath of Member of Parliament as ex-officio members, paving the way for their formal participation in the proceedings of the 12th Parliament.

The ministers are Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare, State Minister for Microfinance Shartsi Kutesa Musherure and State Minister for Internal Affairs Juma Witonze Kisekka.

In their maiden speeches, the three ministers pledged to attend parliamentary sittings and expressed readiness to learn from fellow legislators as they take on their new responsibilities.

As ex-officio members, the ministers will represent their respective ministries in Parliament and respond to matters concerning government business, but will not have voting rights during parliamentary divisions.

Their swearing-in completes the procedural requirements for them to formally participate in the business of the 12th Parliament.

By Francis Lubega