President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Lieutenant General (Rtd) Charles Otema Awany for more than four decades of dedicated service to Uganda, describing his contribution to the liberation struggle, peace-building and transformation of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as worthy of celebration.
The President’s message was delivered on his behalf by Hon. Sam Engola, Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, during the homecoming celebration of Lt Gen. (Rtd) Otema in Gulu City on Friday.
President Museveni congratulated Otema upon completing his active military service, saying his retirement marked the end of a long journey of service and sacrifice.
“It is a pleasure for me to be part of the retirement celebration of retired Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany. I congratulate him upon reaching the end of his active service to Uganda in the Uganda People's Defence Forces,” President Museveni said.
He described the celebration as honourable and well deserved, noting that Otema had returned home after dedicating a significant part of his life to serving the country.
The President said that although Otema had retired from active military service, he expected him to continue promoting the values of the UPDF and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideology.
“Today, we gather not only to receive him back but also to celebrate a life of sacrifice, discipline, patriotism and unwavering loyalty to the Republic of Uganda,” he said.
According to President Museveni, Otema was among the officers who played a role in the struggle for the liberation of Uganda, restoration of peace and the country’s socio-economic transformation.
He noted that the retired general had witnessed many of the challenges Uganda faced over the years and contributed to addressing them through his service.
The President said Otema joined the liberation struggle as a young man at a time when Uganda’s future was uncertain and subsequently served for more than 40 years in some of the most difficult periods and assignments.
He credited him with contributing to the restoration of lasting peace in Northern Uganda, as well as the professionalisation and modernisation of the UPDF into a disciplined national and regional force.
“He worked hard to add another brick to the lasting peace and pacification of Northern Uganda, as well as to the professionalisation and modernisation of the UPDF into a disciplined, national and regional force,” President Museveni said.
The president also highlighted Otema’s role in strengthening relations between the army and communities in northern Uganda, saying the peace and calm enjoyed in the region today were partly a result of the commitment of patriotic officers like him.
“The peace and calm we enjoy in the north today are, in part, because of patriotic officers such as him,” he said.
President Museveni further commended Otema for serving as a good ambassador of Uganda and the UPDF throughout his military career.
He expressed appreciation to the retired general for his loyalty, commitment and service to the nation, while also recognising the role played by his family, particularly his wife, during his years of military service.
“Behind every gallant officer is a family that endures long periods of absence. You enabled him to serve his nation and contributed to his accomplishments through your support and influence,” he said.
President Museveni wished Otema success in the next chapter of his life and urged him to use his experience and stature as a senior elder to continue contributing to the region and the country.
“Retired Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany, as you retire, take up the new mantle of a senior elder and continue being our ambassador in the region. I applaud you and wish you the very best,” he said.
He also urged those who look up to the retired general to draw inspiration from his life of service and work towards achieving greater milestones for Uganda.
“May his life inspire you to achieve greater milestones for your nation as you work hard to ensure that our country continues to shine,” President Museveni said.
Speaking at the same event, Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Aceng commended Otema for leading an exemplary life in service.
Aceng called upon the retired general to join the ruling NRM, saying he was still strong and smart and could continue making a contribution to society.
NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, who is Otema’s younger brother, also commended the retired general for serving the country as an exemplary soldier for more than four decades.
Todwong expressed gratitude to Otema for his service and requested him to continue serving the people of Acholi in different capacities despite his retirement from the army.
He said Otema’s experience, discipline and leadership remained valuable to the region and the country, urging him to use the next chapter of his life to continue contributing to the development of Acholi.
In his remarks, Otema thanked the mammoth crowd that turned up to welcome him back home after 47 years of military service.
The retired general also expressed gratitude to the hundreds of serving soldiers who attended the ceremony, describing their presence as a demonstration of the strong bonds forged during his years in the military.
Otema called on the government to consider establishing an industrial hub in the Acholi sub-region, saying such an investment would help accelerate economic transformation and create opportunities for the people of northern Uganda.
The colourful gathering brought together an array of distinguished guests, including the NRM Secretariat top management team, political leaders, senior military officers, religious and cultural leaders, friends, well-wishers and members of the Otema Awany family.