Soldiers Advised to Invest in Agriculture for Post-Retirement Security

Serving military personnel are being encouraged to think beyond their current service and proactively invest in their future, with a strong emphasis on agriculture as a viable post-retirement pursuit. The call comes from retired military officer Brig. (Rtd) John Byuma of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).

Brig. Gen. Byuma, alongside retired officer Lt. Fredrick Ssenoga, recently toured coffee farms in the Luweero Triangle and Nakasongola districts. These farms are part of a presidential initiative that distributed 5,000 coffee seedlings. The tour aimed to assess the progress of beneficiaries and ensure the effective utilization of the donated seedlings.

During their inspection of over ten coffee plantations, the team observed that while many recipients had planted the seedlings, some were conserving them due to a prolonged dry season, awaiting more favorable weather conditions. Notably, several retired soldiers were among the successful beneficiaries already earning a stable income from commercial farming.

Brig. Gen. Byuma stressed the profound symbolism of the military uniform, representing duty, discipline, and national service, rather than mere prestige. He advised soldiers and civil servants alike to plan for retirement while still in active service. “Many people begin thinking about life after work when it is too late. It is important to invest and prepare early so that retirement becomes a period of productivity rather than hardship,” Byuma stated, sharing his own 20-acre farm with coffee, eucalyptus, and bananas as an example of his long-term strategy.

However, concerns were raised regarding the timing of agricultural input distribution. Byuma noted that some coffee seedlings were delivered during the dry season, hindering survival rates, and urged for future distributions to align with rainy seasons. Lt. Ssenoga echoed this sentiment, commending the farmers’ efforts while highlighting the continued high demand for seedlings and the need for better timing.

The tour also highlighted specific community challenges. Paul Mukasa, a beneficiary in Nakasongola, expressed gratitude for the government program, but pointed to water scarcity as a major obstacle to sustained agricultural production, appealing for irrigation support.

These inspections are part of OWC’s ongoing efforts to monitor agricultural projects and encourage beneficiaries to maximize their income and contribute to national agricultural productivity. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/349669/soldiers-urged-to-invest-in-agriculture-ahead-of-retirement