President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended retiring Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) generals for their contribution to Uganda’s peace, security and institutional development, describing their service as an important part of the country’s stability.
Museveni made the remarks on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during a retirement ceremony for senior UPDF officers at State House Entebbe. The retirement exercise includes 19 General Officers and forms part of a wider process involving 1,817 military personnel leaving active service this month.
The President said Uganda’s ability to maintain peace and security has been shaped by several factors, including what he described as patriotism, modern military technology and a resilient national economy.
“The Army and the NRM have been able to build peace and security in Uganda because of many factors, including our ideology of patriotism, modern military technology and the strength of our national economy.”
Museveni said he had personally followed the careers and contributions of the retiring officers, adding that his appreciation of their service was based on a detailed understanding of the roles they had played over the years.
“I could go on and on about each of these Generals. I personally know, in detail, the contribution each one has made,” he said.
“That is how much I appreciate the excellent work they have done. I salute them.”
Among the prominent officers retiring are Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geofrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda.
The careers of the senior officers have extended beyond conventional military command into areas including intelligence, policing, diplomacy, public administration and national mobilisation, reflecting the broader roles senior UPDF officers have played in Uganda’s state institutions.
Museveni framed the retirement not simply as the end of military careers but as a moment to recognise the institutional foundations underpinning Uganda’s security.
“Peace and security are built through patriotism, strong institutions, modern military capability and a resilient national economy,” he said.
The President also acknowledged the role played by the families of the retiring officers, saying he was pleased to meet them and wished them well as their relatives transition from active military service.
“I was also happy to meet their families. I wish them good luck,” Museveni said.
The retirement comes amid a broader generational transition within the UPDF, with recent changes to senior command positions following the departure of several long-serving officers.
For Museveni, however, the departure of the generals was an opportunity to look back on decades of service and underline the combination of military capability, national institutions and economic strength that he says has underpinned Uganda’s security.
