Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Katumba Wamala is among 1,591 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel set to retire this month in one of the army’s largest annual retirement exercises.
The exercise, announced by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, spans all ranks of the military, from generals to privates, underscoring the UPDF’s continued transition toward a professional and modern force.
According to the UPDF, the retirees comprise 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,145 militants drawn from formations and units across the country.
Among the senior military leaders due to retire are Lt. Gen. Charles Awany Otema, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj. Gen. Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Maj. Gen. Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda and Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho.
The retirement ceremony for the 222 senior officers, ranging from the rank of Major to Colonel, is scheduled for August 12 at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya. The UPDF said the date for the ceremonial send-off of the 19 general officers will be announced separately to accord them honours befitting their distinguished military service.
“The ceremonies will mark another milestone in the force’s tradition of honouring sacrifice and patriotism. Junior cadres have safeguarded Uganda’s sovereignty, while senior commanders have strengthened Uganda’s role in regional peace and stability. Together, the ceremonies celebrate the courage, discipline and devotion of both categories of personnel,” the army said in a statement.
In preparation for the transition to civilian life, the UPDF has been conducting financial literacy training for officers approaching retirement.
Speaking during one of the sessions at Mbuya Military Headquarters, Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa, representing the Chief of Joint Staff, advised retirees to prepare adequately for the financial realities of life outside military service.
“You have been used to a monthly salary, subsistence allowances, office benefits and out-of-pocket facilitation, which may no longer be available once you leave the army,” Maj. Gen. Kinalwa said.
He urged the officers to establish sustainable sources of income and avoid disposing of assets due to poor financial planning after retirement.
The retirement exercise comes just weeks after the UPDF launched a nationwide recruitment campaign targeting more than 10,000 new soldiers to strengthen its manpower and meet operational requirements.
Under UPDF regulations, generals and lieutenant generals are required to retire at the age of 65, while major generals retire at 62.
The army said the retirement exercise reflects its commitment to maintaining a disciplined, professional and modern military while recognising the decades of service and sacrifice made by officers and soldiers who have contributed to Uganda’s security and regional peacekeeping efforts.
