President Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has approved the retirement of 24 senior army officers in the largest single batch of retirements under his leadership.
The group includes some of Uganda’s most high-profile military figures, such as former Chief of Defence Forces General Edward Katumba Wamala, Major General Leopold Kyanda, Brigadier General Cyrus Bekunda Besigye, and Major General Abel Kandiho.
The move marks a significant reshuffle in the UPDF command structure amid ongoing transformations under the stewardship of Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Gen Katumba stands out as a military stalwart who transitioned into government, serving as Minister of Works and Transport.
Lt Gen Charles Angina, former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and later as the Deputy Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, and Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema also feature prominently on the list.
Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, a controversial spymaster who has been subject to Western sanctions, and Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, known for his pivotal roles in UPDF operations and spy agencies, are part of the cohort.
Brig Gen Cyrus Bekunda Besigye, who in July was a subject of arrest on the orders of Gen Muhoozi for corruption allegations in the Engineering Brigade, might just end it all with retirement.
Other retirees include Brig Gen Fred Mwesigye, Brig Gen Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure, and Brig Gen Sam Omara, among others who have served in various capacities within the UPDF.
Largest Retirement Exercise in History
This retirement builds on a series of large-scale UPDF officer retirements over recent years.
The first organized ceremony was held in 2018 and marked a shift from previous abrupt retirements often linked to coups or political purges.
Since then, President Museveni has overseen multiple large batches of retirements:
- In August 2022, 49 generals retired, including the late General Elly Tumwine.
- In August 2023, 11 generals retired, including former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura.
This year alone, over 110 senior officers — including 11 generals and 99 senior officers from the ranks of Major to Colonel — have been retired.
At the 2023 retirement ceremony, President Museveni encouraged retirees to view retirement not as an end but as a “mutation” to a new form of service.
He emphasised the importance of wise investment of retirement packages, warning against overly ambitious projects like building schools or hotels.
“You should do something small which you are sure of,” Museveni advised. “Invest in food production — it is a business that never fails, unlike tourism which collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
He cited a successful example of a man in Fort Portal who earns over 240 million shillings annually from a small-scale dairy and poultry farm.
Museveni also encouraged retirees to become local counselors and leaders in their communities, sharing their experience and knowledge to improve household incomes at grassroots levels.
From Bush Fighters to Senior Generals
The current UPDF traces its roots to the bush war led by Museveni in the early 1980s, a time when the military was ill-equipped and relied on sheer determination.
Many of today’s retirees joined the struggle as young men, some escaping school or just out of university.
The army evolved from a small guerrilla force to one of the strongest in East Africa, overcoming numerous challenges including internal rebellions and regional conflicts.
Museveni’s leadership is credited with unifying the military and instilling discipline and professionalism, which helped transform the UPDF into a respected institution.
Retired generals have been recognized for their dedication, sacrifice, and contribution to Uganda’s security and stability.
List of Retiring Generals
General
- Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala
Lieutenant General
- Lt. Gen. Charles Angina
- Lt. Gen. Charles Awany Otema
Major General
- Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho
- Maj. Gen. Apolo Kasiita Gowa
- Maj. Gen. Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime
- Maj. Gen. Henry Ndarubweine Masiko
- Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda
Brigadier General
- Brig. Gen. Bekunda Besigye Cyrus
- Brig. Gen. Charles Asiimwe Kahangire
- Brig. Gen. Charles Bakahumura
- Brig. Gen. Cyril Mawa Muhindo
- Brig. Gen. Edson Muhanguzi
- Brig. Gen. Fred Mwesigye
- Brig. Gen. Fred Rugadya Akiiki
- Brig. Gen. Herbert Rwego Mbonye
- Brig. Gen. Metland K Bitumbika
- Brig. Gen. Mike Samuel Kisame
- Brig. Gen. Patrick Mwesigye
- Brig. Gen. Sam Omara
- Brig. Gen. Simon Nicholas Ocan
- Brig. Gen. Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure
- Brig. Gen. Tom Kikoyo Kabuye
- Brig. Gen. Winston Byaruhanga