UPDF Reserve Force Encourages Teso Veterans to Invest in Farming

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Reserve Force has launched a mobilization campaign in the Teso sub-region, encouraging retired soldiers and military reservists to invest in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other income-generating ventures.

Major General Joseph Musoke-Semwanga, the Commander of the Reserve Force, explained that the initiative is designed to assess the welfare, physical fitness, and operational readiness of former soldiers. He stressed that pensions alone are often insufficient to sustain veterans through retirement, urging them to put their retirement packages into productive economic activities.

Aside from farming, veterans are being guided on financial literacy, real estate opportunities, and government socio-economic transformation programs. The military leadership has also encouraged former soldiers to enroll their children in government-supported skilling hubs to boost their employment prospects and ensure military families are fully included in national development.

To safeguard veterans from exploitative informal lenders, the military urged former members to rejoin the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO). Officials highlighted that the SACCO offers user-friendly lending rates compared to predatory moneylenders who trap retirees in cycles of debt.

The ongoing mobilization exercise also evaluates the health and general wellbeing of former service members to identify those who need medical assistance or follow-up support. Local security coordination is another priority, as reservists remain vital sources of community intelligence and stability within their villages. Following the Teso outreach, the Reserve Force plans to extend the campaign to the neighboring Bukedi sub-region. Read more about this initiative on Nile Post.