The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the upcoming retirement of 531 officers and militants, among them some of the force’s most prominent senior generals.
Leading the list of retirees is the only serving four-star General, Katumba Wamala — a former Chief of Defence Forces and the current Minister of Works and Transport. General Katumba, who joined the armed forces in 1980, is one of the most distinguished figures in Uganda’s military history.
Other high-ranking officers set to retire include Lieutenant Generals Charles Awany Otema and Charles Angina, along with Major Generals Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Leopold Kyanda, and Abel Kandiho.
The list also features several Brigadier Generals, such as Edson Muhanguzi, Bekunda Besigye Cyrus, Winston Byaruhanga, Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure, Tom Kikoyo Kabuye, Sam Omara, Fred Rugadya Akiiki, Mike Samuel Kisame, Patrick Mwesigye, Fred Mwesigye, Herbert Rwego Mbonye, Simon Nicholas Ocan, Metland K. Bitumbika, Cyil Mawa Muhindo, Charles Bakahumura, and Charles Asiimwe Kahangire.
The official retirement ceremony is scheduled to take place in July 2026.
According to UPDF guidelines, the mandatory retirement age varies by rank: Generals and Lieutenant Generals retire at 65, Major Generals at 62, Brigadier Generals at 60, Colonels at 55, Lieutenant Colonels at 51, and Majors at 47.
The process adheres to standard UPDF retirement procedures, involving phased exits for officers who have either completed their service or reached the mandatory age ceiling.
