President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised retired Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany for dedicating more than four decades of his life to serving Uganda, describing his military career as a record of sacrifice, discipline, patriotism and loyalty to the country.
The President’s message was delivered on his behalf by the Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, during a homecoming celebration for the retired senior officer held in Gulu City on Friday, August 28, 2026.
President Museveni congratulated Otema upon completing his active military service, saying his retirement marked the conclusion of a long journey characterised by sacrifice and service to Uganda through the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The President said Otema was among the officers who participated in Uganda’s liberation struggle and subsequently contributed to efforts aimed at restoring peace and promoting socio-economic transformation.
Museveni noted that Otema joined the liberation struggle as a young man at a time when Uganda faced significant uncertainty and went on to serve for more than 40 years under some of the country’s most difficult circumstances and assignments.
According to the President, Otema’s contribution extended beyond military operations to include efforts that helped restore lasting peace in Northern Uganda.
He also credited the retired general with contributing to the professionalisation and modernisation of the UPDF into what he described as a disciplined national and regional force.
Museveni said the peace and stability currently enjoyed in Northern Uganda were partly attributable to the commitment and patriotism of officers such as Otema, who worked to strengthen relations between the security forces and local communities.
The President further commended Otema for representing Uganda and the UPDF as a good ambassador throughout his military career.
Although Otema has retired from active military service, Museveni urged him to continue promoting the values of the UPDF and the ideology of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
He encouraged the retired general to embrace his new role as a senior elder and continue contributing to Uganda and the wider region using the experience and knowledge accumulated during his years of service.
Museveni also recognised the important role played by Otema’s family, particularly his wife, in supporting him throughout his military career.
He noted that military service often requires officers to spend long periods away from their families and commended the family for providing the support that enabled Otema to fulfil his responsibilities.
Leaders urge Otema to continue serving
Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng also praised Otema for what she described as an exemplary life dedicated to national service.
Aceng urged the retired general to consider joining the ruling NRM, arguing that despite his retirement from the military, he remained strong, capable and able to continue contributing to society.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who is Otema’s younger brother, also paid tribute to the retired officer, describing him as an exemplary soldier who served Uganda for more than four decades.
Todwong thanked his brother for his contribution to the country and called upon him to continue serving the people of the Acholi sub-region in other capacities.
He said Otema’s experience, discipline and leadership remained valuable assets that could be utilised in promoting development and strengthening the region.
Otema calls for industrial hub in Acholi
In his remarks, Otema thanked the large gathering that turned up to welcome him home following his 47 years of military service.
The retired general also expressed appreciation to serving soldiers who attended the celebration, saying their presence demonstrated the strong bonds developed during his years in the military.
Beyond reflecting on his military career, Otema used the occasion to make a call for greater economic investment in Northern Uganda.
He appealed to the government to consider establishing an industrial hub in the Acholi sub-region, arguing that such an investment would accelerate economic transformation and create employment and business opportunities for people in the region.
The homecoming celebration attracted senior government officials, members of the NRM Secretariat, political leaders, senior military officers, religious and cultural leaders, friends, well-wishers and members of the Otema Awany family.
The ceremony therefore served both as a celebration of Otema’s retirement and as recognition of the contribution of senior military officers to Uganda’s history, peace-building and national development.
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