Museveni Salutes Retiring Generals, Urges Them to Use Retirement Money Wisely

Museveni Salutes Retiring Generals, Urges Them to Use Retirement Money Wisely

KAMPALA – President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to Uganda’s newly retired army generals, describing their contributions as central to the strength and transformation of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and advising them to plan wisely as they transition into civilian life with significant retirement benefits.

Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the President reflected on the humble beginnings of the UPDF and the journey of transformation it has undergone, largely shaped by the sacrifices of these senior officers.

Acknowledging that soldiers have long endured low salaries in service of the country, the President emphasized that the current batch of retirees is leaving with respectable retirement packages, a sign of improved welfare within the force.

Soldiers have faced low salaries for a long time; as they retire, they will take home good money,he noted, before adding a word of caution:

“Obwato bufa magoba” – a Luganda proverb meaning “a canoe sinks because of too much profit.” Museveni used the phrase to warn retirees against financial recklessness and to urge them to avoid scams and deceitful ventures.

I therefore urge them to plan their retirement wisely to avoid scams. I once again salute them for their service and wish them good luck!

The  retirement ceremony saw a major reshuffle within the UPDF, with the retirement of some of Uganda’s most distinguished and long-serving military figures. The move marks a generational transition in the army’s leadership, taking place under the stewardship of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

Among the most high-profile retirees are:

Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, former Chief of Defence Forces and current Minister of Works and Transport, known for his role in the transition from the NRA to a modern army.

Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.

Lt. Gen. Charles Awany Otema, a long-serving officer in strategic UPDF roles.

Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda, former UPDF Joint Chief of Staff.

Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, formerly head of Military Intelligence.

Maj. Gen. G. Katsigazi Tumusiime, former Deputy Inspector General of Police.

Maj. Gen. Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, the UPDF’s long-serving Chief Political Commissar.

Maj. Gen. Apolo Kasiita Gowa, among others.

Other officers who retired include:

Brig. Gen. Bekunda Besigye Cyrus

Brig. Gen. Winston Byaruhanga

Brig. Gen. Edson Muhanguzi

Brig. Gen. Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure

Brig. Gen. Tom Kikoyo Kabuye

Brig. Gen. Sam Omara

Brig. Gen. Fred Rugadya Akiiki

Brig. Gen. Mike Samuel Kisame

Brig. Gen. Patrick Mwesigye

Brig. Gen. Fred Mwesigye

Brig. Gen. Herbert Rwego Mbonye

Brig. Gen. Simon Nicholas Ocan

Brig. Gen. Metland K. Bitumbika

Brig. Gen. Cyil Mawa Muhindo

Brig. Gen. Charles Bakahumura

Brig. Gen. Charles Asiimwe Kahangire

The group represents a blend of strategic minds, combat veterans, and administrators who have shaped military operations, intelligence, training, political education, and diplomacy within the UPDF over the last three decades.

The retirement of senior officers is a normal and essential process in any professional military. As service members reach the end of their active duty careers, often after decades of serving in command, operational, or strategic roles, retirement allows for the renewal of leadership within the ranks and opens space for younger officers to rise and take on new responsibilities.

In the case of the UPDF, the departure of seasoned generals such as Gen. Katumba Wamala, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina, and Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda represents a generational shift. These officers have served the country for decades, many since the days of the National Resistance Army (NRA), and their exit is part of a natural cycle of leadership transition.

Military experts say that timely and orderly retirement:Prevents stagnation in command structures,encourages institutional growth and innovation, reduces the risk of politicization of the army by ensuring no officer overstays in a powerful post,upholds discipline by rewarding loyal service with a dignified exit and furthermore, structured retirement affirms Uganda’s commitment to professionalizing the army, a key pillar in its national security policy. It also demonstrates that the UPDF is not built on personalities but on systems and structures that can adapt and evolve as the country’s security needs change.

The retirement also comes at a time when President Museveni has appointed his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This move has triggered speculation about a broader generational transition in Uganda’s security and political landscape.

Observers view the retirement of historical and high-ranking generals as a carefully managed evolution, allowing younger, modern-trained officers to shape the next chapter of the UPDF while respecting the legacy of those who laid its foundation.

The fact that these officers are leaving with honor, formal recognition, and proper benefits is a sign of maturity in Uganda’s military structure. It also sends a strong message that service is valued, and that there is life and dignity after uniform.

In the words of one senior official at the Ministry of Defence, who preferred the condition of anonymity:

We don’t keep soldiers forever. We train, we deploy, we honor, and we retire. That is the discipline of a true army.

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