(L-R): Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, Gen Katumba Wamala and Maj Gen Abel Kandiho
By Kauki Sulaiman
Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and current Minister of Public Service, Gen Katumba Wamala, is among 1,591 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel scheduled to retire from active military service this month.
The nationwide retirement exercise, announced by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, will affect military personnel across all ranks, spanning from top general officers down to privates stationed at various formations and units across the country.
According to the official breakdown, the outgoing cohort includes 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers, and 1,364 militants.
Among the prominent high-ranking officers scheduled for retirement alongside Gen Katumba are former Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema, former Deputy CDF Lt Gen Charles Angina, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Maj Gen Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, and former Joint Intelligence Director Maj Gen Abel Kandiho.
The army revealed that the 222 senior officers, ranging from the rank of Major to Colonel, will officially retire during a ceremony slated for August 12 at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya. A separate date for the ceremonial send-off of the 19 general officers will be announced later to ensure they are accorded full military honours befitting their distinguished service.
In an official statement detailing the upcoming exercise, Col Magezi noted that the events will celebrate the courage, discipline, and devotion of both the senior leadership and the lower cadres.
“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 statement reads in part.
Ahead of the official send-off, the UPDF leadership has been conducting financial literacy workshops for the outgoing personnel to help them adjust to civilian life.
Speaking during a training session at the Mbuya Military Headquarters, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, who represented the Chief of Joint Staff, cautioned the retirees against reckless spending and urged them to manage their resources prudently.
“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 warned, advising the officers to maintain steady income streams after retirement and avoid liquidating their assets due to poor financial planning.
The upcoming mass retirement comes shortly after the army launched a nationwide recruitment drive targeting over 10,000 new recruits to fill the resulting staffing gaps.
Under UPDF service regulations, the mandatory retirement age is set at 65 years for Generals and Lieutenant Generals, and 62 years for Major Generals. Army leadership maintained that the continuous retirement exercise reflects its broader commitment to building a professional, disciplined, and modern force while acknowledging the sacrifices of its long-serving personnel.