KAMPALA, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced that 429 senior officers will retire in July 2027, marking a significant transition in the country’s military leadership. The cohort includes some of the force’s most distinguished generals, with Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi—former Chief of Defence Forces and current Minister of State for Trade—leading the list.
Gen. Mbadi, the only full four-star general slated for retirement, previously served as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) from June 2021 to March 2024. A graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and holder of a master’s degree in strategic studies, he is widely credited for implementing reforms that modernized UPDF’s administrative systems during his tenure. His prior roles include Joint Chief of Staff and Deputy CDF.
Among the other senior officers set to leave active service are five lieutenant generals, including Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the current Deputy CDF known for his leadership in UPDF operations in Somalia, and Lt. Gen. Sam Kavuma, the current head of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), where he has served since March 2024. Kavuma also played a key role in Uganda’s Operation Wealth Creation program.
Also listed for retirement are;
Gen. Katumba Wamala
Lt. Gen Charles Angina
Lt. Gen Charles Otema
Maj.Gen Abel Kandiho
Maj. Gen Leopold Kyanda
Maj. Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi
Maj. Gen Kasita Gowa
Lt. Gen. Jack Bagonza Bakasumba
Lt. Gen. Joseph Masanyufu
Lt. Gen. Charles Lutaaya
Maj. Gen. Ambrose K. Musinguzi
Maj. Gen. Samuel Kawagga
Maj. Gen. Lucky Kidega
The list of outgoing brigadier generals includes:
Sam Kiwanuka
Alex Opolot Olupot
Caesar Innocent Bahwezi
Michael Kibuye
James Kaija
Mwanje Ssekiranda
Robert Freeman Mugabe
Chris Ogwal
Kefa Nangeesa
Henry Isoke
David Tweheyo
Richard Kiremire
Emmanuel Kazahura
Geoffrey Karugaba
Emmanuel Tibayungwa Shillingi
Moses Wandera
James Muhwezi
Maj. Gen. Felix Kulaigye, the UPDF spokesperson, confirmed the announcement and emphasized that retirement is a routine process in the military.
“Retirement is part of the norm within UPDF,” said Kulaigye. “We wish our comrades the best as they transition into the next phase of life.”
In line with UPDF tradition, the retirement process will include ceremonial send-offs and retirement packages as part of a structured and dignified exit for the officers.