The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has cleared 19 general officers to retire from active service, part of a larger exercise that will see many personnel exit the force.
The Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, announced that the retirement covers all ranks, from generals to privates.
According to UPDF, the list includes 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 soldiers who will retire from various formations and units across the country.
Among the 19 general officers cleared to retire are; Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister for Public Service, 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, Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, Brig. Edson Muhanguzi, Brig. Sam Omara, Brig. Stephen Kashure, former CMI chief Brig. Charles Bakahumura, former CMI deputy chief Brig. Charles Asiimwe Kahangire, and Brig. Fred Rugadya Akiiki, among others.
The 222 senior officers, from the rank of Major to Colonel, will officially retire during a ceremony scheduled for August 12 at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya.
The date for the ceremonial send-off of the 19 general officers will be announced later “to ensure they are honoured with the dignity befitting their service.”
‘The ceremonies will mark another milestone in the force’s tradition of honouring sacrifice and patriotism. Junior cadres have safeguarded Uganda’s sovereignty, while senior commanders have strengthened Uganda’s role in regional peace and stability. Together, the ceremonies celebrate the courage, discipline and devotion of both categories of personnel,’ the UPDF statement reads.
Ahead of the exercise, UPDF has been conducting financial literacy training for the outgoing officers.
Speaking during a session at Mbuya Military Headquarters last Thursday, Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa, representing the Chief of Joint Staff, urged retirees to plan carefully for life after service.
‘You have been used to a monthly salary, subsistence allowances, office benefits and out-of-pocket facilitation, which may no longer be available once you leave the army,’ Maj. Gen. Kinalwa said. He advised the officers to maintain steady income streams after retirement and avoid selling off assets due to poor financial planning.
Last month, UPDF launched a recruitment drive targeting more than 10,000 new soldiers to address staffing needs.
Under UPDF regulations, the mandatory retirement age is 65 years for generals and lieutenant generals, and 62 years for major generals.
The army said the exercise reflects its commitment to building a professional, disciplined and modern force while honouring the contribution of personnel who have served the country over the years.
Under the UPDF Conditions and Terms of Service, officers are expected to retire once they attain specific age limits without promotion to the next rank. For instance, it is unlawful for a captain or major aged 50 to remain in active service. A captain who fails to attain the rank of major by the age of 40 is expected to retire.
Regulation 28 under Cap 307 outlines the age and promotion requirements. Military sources say the UPDF has on several occasions retained officers beyond the prescribed limits.
Officers from the rank of lieutenant to captain can apply for early retirement at 40 years, while majors may retire at 45 years. Lieutenant colonels are eligible at 47 years, and colonels at 51.
From the rank of second lieutenant to general, an officer may apply for retirement after 14 years of service, while lower ranks become eligible after nine years.
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List of Generals confirmed for retirement
Gen Katumba Wamala
Lt-Gen Charles Otema
Lt-Gen Charlse Angina
Maj General Godfery Katsigazi Tumusiime
Maj Gen Henry Ndorubwine Matsiko
Maj.Gen Apollo Kasita Gowa
Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda
Maj Gen Abel Kandiho
Brig Gen Winstone Byaruhangi
Brig Gen Stephen Tumwesigye
Brig Gen Tom KikoyoKabuye
Brig Sam Omara
Brig Gen Fred Rugadye Akiiki
Brig Gen Mike Samuel Kisame
Brig Patrick Mwesigye
Brig Gen hebert Rwego Mboyo
Brig Gen Simon Nicholas Ocan
Brig Gen Cyil Mawa Muhindo
Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura
Brig Gen Charles Asiimwe Kahangire