The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has retired 149 senior officers under Batch 15, with top military leaders urging them to embrace their new chapter with discipline, wisdom, and continued service to the nation.
The retirement ceremony, held at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, was presided over by Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Lt Gen Okiding congratulated the officers for their distinguished service, describing the moment as historic and dignified. “From here, all of you should think correctly and see where to invest your money,” he advised, warning that poor decisions would lead to poor outcomes. Quoting Proverbs 4:23, he said, “Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
He encouraged the retirees to see retirement not as an end, but a continuation of duty in civilian life. “You have been 100 per cent in active service, and you will remain 100 per cent in retirement by serving in another capacity,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding commended the officers for their sacrifice and service, which he said had helped build and protect the country. “No sacrifice is greater than the one you responded to. Put the well-being of your comrades first before yourselves,” he added. He also acknowledged the support of their spouses and thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his strategic leadership and support to the UPDF.
Major General James Kinalwa, Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, said the retirement was a planned part of UPDF’s personnel renewal strategy. “Retirement is an important milestone, not an end. It allows for growth, storytelling, and continuity in our professional army,” he said.
He encouraged the officers to carry their courage and values into civilian life and noted that the process follows the UPDF Act to ensure smooth transition.
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information and Master of Ceremonies, encouraged retirees to inspire others to serve Uganda with the same integrity they upheld during active duty.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Colonel Godfrey Kalyowa thanked President Museveni and the UPDF leadership for a dignified retirement process. “In the past, retirement was feared, but today it is dignified. It is now a transition, not rejection,” he said. He added, “We return as ambassadors of discipline, integrity and prosperity.”
Col Kalyowa also praised the UPDF as a respected and professional institution, both nationally and across the region.
Among the retirees were 24 Colonels, 83 Lieutenant Colonels, and 42 Majors. Notable names included Col Abdu Nasser, Col Justus Besisira, Col Bernard Tumwesigire, Lt Col Jamada Kasongo, Lt Col Suleiman Kizito, and Lt Col Khalid Nasur Kamya. Each officer received a Certificate of Service recognizing their contribution to national security and stability.
The ceremony was attended by Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, other senior officers, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs officials, retiring officers, their families, and fellow UPDF personnel.
