President Museveni Praises Retiring UPDF Generals as 1,817 Personnel Exit Active Service

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised retiring Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) generals for their contribution to Uganda’s peace, security and national defence, as 19 senior generals officially retired from active service at State House Entebbe on Thursday, August 20, 2026.

The retirement ceremony marked a major milestone in the August 2026 UPDF retirement exercise, which saw a total of 1,817 military personnel across different ranks formally exit active service.

Among the senior officers who retired were former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) chief Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Geofrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Maj. Gen. Leopold Eric Kyanda.

Speaking during the ceremony, President Museveni commended the officers for dedicating years of their lives to the defence and security of Uganda.

In a message posted on X on August 20, the President congratulated the retiring generals and acknowledged their role in building and strengthening the UPDF.

“I congratulate the retiring Generals for the great contribution they have made to the UPDF,” Museveni said.

Museveni said he personally understood the individual contributions made by the officers during their years of service, noting that his appreciation went beyond their collective achievements.

“I could go on and on about each of these Generals. I personally know, in detail, the contribution each one has made. That is how much I appreciate the excellent work they have done,” he said.

Senior commanders among retirees

The 19 generals retiring in the August exercise include seven officers at the rank of General, Lieutenant General and Major General, together with 12 Brigadier Generals.

The senior officers are Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, Maj. Gen. Geofrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj. Gen. Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Maj. Gen. Leopold Eric Kyanda.

The 12 Brigadier Generals are Edson Muhanguzi, Sam Omara, Fred Zakye, Fred Rugadya Akiiki, Mike Samuel Kisame, Patrick Mwesigye, Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure, Simon Nicholas Ocan, Metland K. Bitumbika, Charles Bakahumura, Charles Asiimwe Kahangire and Cyril Mawa Muhindo.

Their retirement represents the departure of a generation of senior military commanders who have occupied various strategic and operational positions within the UPDF over the years.

Museveni credits patriotism and national strength

President Museveni also linked the UPDF's progress to what he described as a combination of patriotism, military technology and economic strength.

He emphasized that the development of a capable national defence force requires not only committed military personnel but also investment in modern military technology and a strong economy capable of supporting national security.

According to the President, the contribution of the retiring officers should therefore be viewed within the broader development of Uganda's defence capabilities and the country's efforts to maintain peace and stability.

The President's remarks highlighted the importance of professionalism, dedication and technological advancement in maintaining an effective modern military.

Families attend retirement ceremony

The retiring officers were accompanied by their families during the State House ceremony, where President Museveni also interacted with and appreciated their spouses and relatives.

The President wished the retired officers success as they transition from active military service into the next phase of their lives.

The retirement of senior commanders is part of the UPDF's established institutional process of renewing its leadership and allowing new generations of officers to take up responsibilities within the force.

1,817 personnel retire

The State House ceremony came at the conclusion of the August 2026 UPDF retirement exercise, which covered 1,817 personnel from different ranks and categories of military service.

While the retirement of the generals attracted particular attention because of their seniority and previous command responsibilities, the wider exercise also involved hundreds of other UPDF personnel whose years of active service had come to an end.

The exercise reflects the UPDF's continued institutional transition and renewal as officers complete their careers and the force prepares younger personnel to assume greater responsibilities.

For the retiring generals, however, Thursday's ceremony represented the formal conclusion of decades of military service.

President Museveni's message placed particular emphasis on their contribution to Uganda's peace and security, while recognizing the sacrifices and responsibilities associated with serving in the country's armed forces.

As the 19 generals formally leave active service, the UPDF enters another phase of leadership transition, with their experience and institutional legacy remaining part of the history of Uganda's military establishment.