The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Gulu, Uganda | URN | Four decades of military service, sacrifice and leadership have come to an end for retired Lieutenant General Charles Otema Awany, with leaders in Northern Uganda calling on him to turn his experience to the task of rebuilding and transforming the Acholi community.
President Yoweri Museveni described Gen Otema as one of the “torchbearers” in Uganda’s liberation struggle and the restoration of peace in Northern Uganda, saying his 47 years in uniform were defined by sacrifice, discipline, patriotism and loyalty to the country.
Museveni made the remarks in a statement delivered on his behalf by Sam Engola, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, during a celebration at Kaunda Parade Grounds in Gulu City on Friday to mark Gen Otema’s retirement.
“He has been one of the torchbearers in fighting for the cause of liberation of people into peace and socio-economic transformation. He has seen the challenges our country has gone through over the years and has contributed to the struggle in many ways,” Museveni said.
The President said Gen Otema joined the liberation struggle as a young man at a time when Uganda’s future was uncertain and went on to serve during some of the most difficult periods in the country’s history. He particularly credited him with contributing to the pacification of Northern Uganda and efforts to rebuild relations between the military and civilians after years of conflict.
“He worked hard to add another brick to the lasting peace and pacification of Northern Uganda, professionalisation and modernisation of the UPDF into a disciplined national and regional force,” Museveni said. The President urged the retired general to continue serving as an ambassador for Northern Uganda in his new role as a senior elder, saying his experience could continue to contribute to the country’s development.
Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Owiny-Dollo Chigamoi similarly told Gen Otema that retirement from the army should mark the beginning of another chapter of service to the Acholi community. Owiny-Dollo particularly invited Gen Otema to join Rocco Paco, an initiative aimed at transforming the Acholi community after decades of conflict.
The initiative was launched in April 2024, with Owiny-Dollo and Uganda’s UN Secretary-General candidate Olara Otunnu among its founders. “The Acholi people demand your leadership in Rocco Paco. You have not come to rest; you have only prepared yourself for 47 years for this challenge. The new chapter is now the revival of the Acholi community, the Acholi people to give hope, to make our people believe there is a future beyond what we are saying,” Owiny-Dollo said.
Acholi Paramount Chief David Onen Acana II commended President Museveni for entrusting Gen Otema with various senior military responsibilities over the years, saying the appointments and promotions reflected the confidence placed in his commitment and loyalty. Gen Otema, in his remarks, recounted his role in the pacification of Northern Uganda during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency, saying he willingly took up the assignment after being directed by President Museveni.
He pledged to continue working with local leaders and the government to promote wealth creation and ultimately eradicate poverty in the Acholi sub-region. The retirement celebration was marked by a Holy Mass led by the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, Raphael P’mony Wokorach, and attended by Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama, Bishop of Arua Diocese Sabino Odoki, government officials, military officers, religious and traditional leaders, politicians and members of the public.
Gen Otema joined the army on May 6, 1979, and served in several senior positions, including UPDF Overall Intelligence Coordinator, Second Division Commander, Fourth Division Commander, Chief of Logistics and Engineering, and Commander of the UPDF Reserve Forces, a position he held until his retirement in August 2026.
