Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Katumba Wamala is among 1,591 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel scheduled to retire this month after decades of service.
Katumba, who currently serves as Minister of Public Service, marked the end of his 47-year military career on 31 July 2026.
In a message shared on his social media platforms, Katumba reflected on his time in uniform, expressing gratitude to God, his colleagues in the military and the people of Uganda.
“On 31 July 2026, I completed 47 years of military service to my country, a journey I undertook with dedication, commitment, and love for Uganda. 47 years in uniform. 47 years of service to Uganda,” he said.
“As I close this chapter, I do so with deep gratitude to God, my comrades, the UPDF and the people of Uganda for the privilege to serve. A lifetime in service. A country forever in my heart,” he added.
Katumba began his military career in 1979 and served in the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) before the National Resistance Army (NRA) defeated the UNLA in 1986. He subsequently joined the NRA, which later became the UPDF.
He rose through the ranks and held several senior positions during his military career. Between 1999 and 2000, he studied at the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
From 2000 to 2001, he commanded Ugandan forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the rank of Major General.
In 2001, Katumba was appointed Inspector General of Police, a position he held until 2005. He later served as Commander of Land Forces from 2005 to 2013, during which he was closely involved in Uganda’s regional peacekeeping operations, including the mission in Somalia.
On 23 May 2013, he was promoted to the rank of General and appointed Chief of Defence Forces, a position he held until January 2017.
Katumba is now among 1,591 UPDF personnel from different ranks and formations who are scheduled to retire as part of this month’s retirement exercise.
According to the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, the group comprises 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 militants.
Other senior officers set to retire include Lt. Gen. Charles Awany Otema, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, Maj. Gen. Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj. Gen. Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Maj. Gen. Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda and Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, among others.
The 222 senior officers, ranging from the rank of Major to Colonel, are scheduled to officially retire during a ceremony at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya on 12 August.
The UPDF said the ceremonial send-off for the 19 general officers will be held on a date to be announced later to allow the force to honour them appropriately for their service.
“The ceremonies will mark another milestone in the force’s tradition of honouring sacrifice and patriotism,” the UPDF said.
The force added that the retirement ceremonies recognise the contribution of both junior personnel who have served in protecting Uganda’s sovereignty and senior commanders who have contributed to regional peace and stability.
Ahead of their retirement, the UPDF has been conducting financial literacy training for outgoing personnel to help them prepare for life after active military service.
Under UPDF regulations, the mandatory retirement age is 65 for generals and lieutenant generals, while major generals retire at 62.
