The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially retired 149 senior officers under Batch 15, calling on them to invest their retirement benefits wisely and to continue serving as ambassadors of the force in civilian life.
Presiding over the ceremony at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, urged the retirees to make sound decisions about their future.
“From here, all of you should think correctly and see where to invest your money,” he advised, quoting Proverbs 4:23: “Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Lt Gen Okiding congratulated the officers on their distinguished service, describing the event as historic.
“Today, uniformed people retire with dignity. In the past, retirement was filled with fear and rejection. Now, we celebrate comrades going home alive, with a package, after serving Uganda with courage, integrity, sacrifice and commitment,” he said.
He reminded them that retirement is not an end but a transition to another form of service. “You have been 100 per cent active; you will remain 100 per cent by serving in another capacity.”
Lt Gen Okiding, who is also the UPDF Inspector General, praised the retirees for their selfless sacrifice in preserving the nation and urged them to remain “listening posts” for the UPDF, safeguarding the progress achieved during their years of service.
He also paid tribute to their spouses and families, saying, “We respect you, we are proud of you, and the nation is proud of you.”
He further expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his visionary leadership and encouraged the retirees to support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation using their experience.
Major General James Kinalwa, Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, emphasised that the retirement is part of a deliberate strategy to rejuvenate the force.
“Retirement is not an end; it creates space for new adventures and allows you to share your stories with future generations. In a professional army, it also paves the way for younger, energetic personnel to take on the mantle of national defence,” he said.
Maj Gen Kinalwa urged the retirees to embrace civilian life with the same courage that defined their military careers, reminding them that the process is guided by the UPDF Act.
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, Director of Defence Public Information and Master of Ceremonies, encouraged the officers to continue inspiring others to serve Uganda with honour.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Col Godfrey Kalyowa thanked President Museveni for his leadership and described the day as a dignified milestone.
“In the past, retirement was feared, but today it is dignified. It is now a transition, not rejection. We return as ambassadors of discipline, integrity, and prosperity,” he said, adding that the UPDF remains a respected institution both nationally and regionally.
The retirees include 24 Colonels, 83 Lieutenant Colonels and 42 Majors. Each officer received a Certificate of Service in recognition of their contribution to national security and stability. Notable retirees include Col Abdu Nasser, Col Justus Besisira, Col Bernard Tumwesigire, Lt Col Jamada Kasongo, Lt Col Suleiman Kizito, and Lt Col Khalid Nasur Kamya.
The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, senior UPDF officials, staff from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), retiring officers and their families, and other UPDF personnel.