Museveni hails Otema as torchbearer for peace in Northern Uganda

What the report says

President Yoweri Museveni has praised retired Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany as a key figure in Uganda’s liberation struggle and in efforts to bring peace to Northern Uganda. According to The Independent Uganda, the remarks were delivered by Minister Sam Engola at a retirement ceremony for Otema at Kaunda Parade Grounds in Gulu City on Friday, August 29, 2026.

The article says Museveni credited Otema’s 47 years in uniform with discipline, patriotism and loyalty, and linked his service to the pacification of Northern Uganda and the rebuilding of relations between the military and civilians after years of conflict. Otema retired after four decades of military service, ending a career that included senior roles such as UPDF intelligence coordinator, division commander, chief of logistics and engineering, and commander of the reserve forces.

The celebration also became a call for Otema to remain active in civilian life. Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Owiny-Dollo urged him to support Rocco Paco, an initiative aimed at transforming the Acholi community, while Acholi Paramount Chief David Onen Acana II praised the military appointments he received over the years. Otema said he had willingly taken part in efforts during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency and pledged to keep working with leaders on wealth creation and poverty reduction in the Acholi sub-region.

The event drew church, military, government and traditional leaders, underscoring the continuing role former commanders can play in post-conflict reconciliation and local development in northern Uganda.