By Our Staff Reporter

Entebbe, Uganda — August 7, 2026
The Special Forces Command (SFC) has honoured 67 officers and men who are retiring from active military service after distinguished careers in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The retirees were recognised on Friday, August 7, 2026, during a ceremony held to acknowledge their years of dedication, discipline and sacrifice in serving and protecting Uganda.

The group comprised four Captains, 17 Lieutenants, 23 Warrant Officers, nine Staff Sergeants, 12 Sergeants and two Corporals.

Other senior officers who attended the ceremony are expected to receive their retirement certificates during the official UPDF retirement ceremony scheduled for August 12, 2026, at the UPDF Joint Headquarters in Mbuya.

Reading the retirement citations, the SFC Director of Human Resource Management, Col. Night Ikiriza, commended the retirees for their courage, loyalty, discipline and commitment to national service.

Col. Ikiriza also recognised the contribution of spouses and families, noting that their continued support and sacrifices had played an important role in enabling the soldiers to successfully serve throughout their military careers.

Representing the Commander-SFC, Chief of Staff-SFC Brig. Gen. John Mango Baraza, congratulated the retirees for their contribution to Uganda’s national security.

He highlighted their involvement in military operations, VVIP protection, peace support missions and other strategic assignments undertaken during their years of service.

“Many of you have endured challenges in the course of duty, including long periods away from your families, working in risky environments and accepting sacrifices without hesitation,” Brig. Gen. Baraza said.

He encouraged the retirees to embrace civilian life with optimism and make productive use of the knowledge and skills acquired during their military careers.

Brig. Gen. Baraza urged them to continue upholding the values they developed in the UPDF, including discipline, integrity, patriotism and resilience, as they begin a new chapter outside active military service.

He further assured the retirees that the UPDF remains committed to the welfare and wellbeing of its veterans through the Directorate of Veteran Affairs.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Capt. Boaz Barigye Kazinduki, the senior-most among the junior officers, thanked the UPDF and SFC leadership for the guidance, opportunities and supportive environment provided to personnel throughout their service.

He also expressed appreciation to the families of the retiring soldiers for standing by them and sharing in the sacrifices that came with military service.

The ceremony brought together brigade commanders, directors, senior and junior officers, non-commissioned officers, spouses and relatives of the retirees.

The recognition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 67 servicemen and women as they transition from active military duty to civilian life, carrying with them years of professional experience and service to the country.