By Our Staff Reporter

Entebbe,Uganda – August 20, 2026
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has presided over the retirement ceremony of 19 UPDF Generals at State House, Entebbe, marking the end of their active military service after years of service to Uganda.

President Museveni congratulated the retiring officers for their contribution to the UPDF and commended them for upholding discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty throughout their military careers.

“First of all, I congratulate the Generals for the great contribution they made to the UPDF. The UPDF and NRM have been able to build security,” President Museveni said.

Museveni Advises Retirees on Investments

President Museveni urged the retired Generals to manage their retirement benefits carefully and invest their savings in secure and productive ventures.

He encouraged them to consider treasury bonds and other safe investment options that can generate steady returns without requiring active involvement.

The President cited an example of investing Shs600 million at an interest rate of 15 percent, which he said could generate about Shs90 million in returns within one year.

He cautioned the retirees against rushing into businesses that require large amounts of capital, advising them to first secure their savings in reliable investments before using the returns to finance other projects.

“What will be safer is simply to put the money where it will earn interest,” President Museveni said.

The President also encouraged retirees who own land to consider goat rearing, saying goats have a ready market, reproduce quickly and do not require expensive artificial feeds.

“You can rear goats. Can you fail to get buyers? They don’t need artificial feeds. You can have them on a small scale, something simple, safe and sustainable,” he said.

Museveni further advised the retirees to use income from their savings to finance other projects, including fish farming and rental housing.

“First plant the seeds where they germinate and use the harvest in other projects,” he said.

Retired Generals Urged to Continue Serving Uganda

President Museveni also urged the retirees to remain committed to their families and communities and to use the knowledge and experience acquired during their military careers to continue contributing to national development.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, commended the retiring officers for their significant contribution to the transformation of the UPDF and the maintenance of peace and security in Uganda.

Speaking on behalf of the retiring officers, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala said they were handing over a disciplined and respected institution built through years of sacrifice and dedication.

“We are handing to you a well-disciplined and respected institution built through sacrifice,” Gen. Katumba said.

He urged serving officers to protect the legacy of the UPDF by upholding patriotism, professionalism and integrity, respecting the civilian population and remaining loyal to the Constitution.

Defence Minister Calls Retirees UPDF Ambassadors

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, urged the retired officers to continue serving Uganda even after leaving active military service.

Kiwanuka said the retirees would remain ambassadors of the UPDF and encouraged them to use their knowledge and experience to promote wealth creation and national development.

“The retirement marks the end of active military service for the Generals, following years of service in the UPDF in different capacities. You are our ambassadors out there, so keep representing us,” he said.

The Minister congratulated the senior officers upon reaching the retirement milestone and wished them success in their retirement.

19 Generals Retire

The officers who retired include Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, Maj. Gen. Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita Gowa and Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda.

Others are Brig. Gen. E. Muhanguzi, Brig. Gen. S. Omar, Brig. Gen. F. Zakye, Brig. Gen. FR Akiiki, Brig. Gen. MS Kisame, Brig. Gen. PB Mwesigwe, Brig. Gen. ST Kashure, Brig. Gen. SN Ocan, Brig. Gen. MK Bitimbika, Brig. Gen. C. Bakahumura, Brig. Gen. CK Asiimwe and Brig. Gen. CM Muhindo.

The retired officers served in various command, operational, administrative and strategic positions, contributing to the development of the UPDF and the defence and security of Uganda.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, alongside senior UPDF officers and other officials.

The retirement marks the end of active military service for the 19 Generals, who now join the wider community with years of military experience and service to the country.