Gen Katumba Wamala Among 1,591 UPDF Personnel Set to Retire

Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and current Minister of Public Service, Gen Katumba Wamala, is among 1,591 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel scheduled to retire from active military service this month.

The nationwide retirement exercise, announced by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, will affect military personnel across all ranks, ranging from top general officers to privates stationed in various formations and units across the country.

According to the official breakdown, the outgoing cohort includes 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers, and 1,364 militants.

Among the prominent high-ranking officers scheduled to retire alongside Gen Katumba are former Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema, former Deputy CDF Lt Gen Charles Angina, former Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusime, Maj Gen Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Maj Gen Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, and former Joint Intelligence Director Maj Gen Abel Kandiho.

The army revealed that the 222 senior officers, ranging from the rank of Major to Colonel, will officially retire during a ceremony scheduled for August 12 at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya.

A separate date for the ceremonial send-off of the 19 general officers will be announced later to ensure they are accorded full military honours befitting their distinguished service.

In an official statement detailing the upcoming exercise, Col Magezi highlighted the discipline and devotion demonstrated by both the senior leadership and lower cadres during their service.