KAMPALA — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has retired 222 senior officers in a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, marking the end of their active military service.
The retirement ceremony, held on Wednesday, August 12, was presided over by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and brought together officers in the ranks of Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors under Batch 16.
The ceremony also honoured thousands of junior personnel retiring under the same batch.
Gen Kainerugaba commended the retiring officers for their sacrifice, loyalty and discipline, saying their service had contributed to the growth and transformation of the UPDF.
“These achievements rest on the foundation laid by committed officers, such as those we honour today,” Gen Kainerugaba said.
He said the UPDF had evolved from its origins in the liberation struggle into a professional defence force with capabilities extending beyond conventional warfare.
According to the CDF, the changing security environment requires the military to remain technologically capable, adaptable and prepared to respond to emerging threats, including terrorism, cybercrime and climate-related disasters.
“From its origin in the liberation struggle, our force has grown into one of the most professional militaries on the African continent. We must continue modernising our force, embracing innovation, strengthening joint operations, and maintaining the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and readiness,” he said.
Retirement Not End of Service
Gen Kainerugaba urged the retirees to view retirement as a transition into another phase of national service rather than an end to their contribution to Uganda.
He encouraged them to use their military experience to mentor younger people, promote peace and contribute to development in their communities.
“I encourage you to see this not as the end of service, but as a new phase in your contributions to the country. Uganda still needs your experience, wisdom, and leadership,” he said.
The CDF also advised the retirees to manage their retirement benefits carefully, urging them to plan, invest prudently and maintain financial discipline as they transition into civilian life.
He recognised the contribution of the Government and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to the development of the UPDF.
Gen Kainerugaba also paid tribute to the families of the retiring officers, acknowledging the sacrifices made by spouses, children and relatives during the officers’ years of military service.
“Military service demands uncommon discipline, resilience, and sacrifice. It requires long separations from family, service in difficult environments, and a constant readiness to place duty above personal comfort. Today this honour belongs to them as well,” he said.
Retirees Pledge Continued Service
Speaking on behalf of the retiring officers, the most senior retiree, Col Kajungu Rutiinampora, thanked the Commander-in-Chief, the CDF and the UPDF leadership for their role in promoting peace and stability in Uganda and the region.
He also commended the military leadership for efforts to improve the welfare of soldiers and their families.
Col Rutiinampora pledged that the retirees would continue serving as ambassadors of the UPDF and supporting civil-military cooperation in their communities.
He thanked fellow officers and junior personnel for the teamwork and cohesion that characterised their service.
The ceremony was attended by senior UPDF commanders, including Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Air Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi and Special Forces Command (SFC) Commander Maj Gen Asaph Mwetesie.
Following the formal proceedings, Gen Kainerugaba and senior commanders lined up at the exit of the Mbuya headquarters to bid farewell to the retiring officers.
The retirees then marched through the headquarters gates, marking their transition from active military service to civilian life.