UPDF retires 149 senior officers with call for wise investment

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The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) on Monday, July 14, 2025, officially retired 149 senior officers under batch 15, with a strong appeal for them to invest their retirement packages wisely and continue serving as ambassadors of the force in civilian life.

At the retirement ceremony held at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, delivered a heartfelt message encouraging prudent financial planning. “From here, all of you should think correctly and see where to invest your money,” he urged.

Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, delivered a heartfelt message encouraging prudent financial planning. (Credit: UPDF)

Quoting Proverbs 4:23 – “Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts,” Lt Gen. Okiding emphasised the importance of mindset in determining future outcomes. “If you think wrongly, expect wrong results,” he cautioned.

Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Lt Gen. Okiding congratulated the officers on their distinguished service, describing the moment as historic. He recalled how retirement in the past was often feared and associated with hardship. “Uniformed people today enjoy retirement, but in the past, it was often about being chased out,” he said. “Now we celebrate comrades going home alive, with a package, after serving Uganda with courage, integrity, sacrifice and commitment.”

In a statement, the UPDF said Lt Gen. Okiding urged the retirees to view retirement not as an end but as a continuation of duty. “You have been 100 per cent in active service, and you will remain 100 per cent in retirement by serving in another capacity,” he said.

Lt Gen. Okiding, who also serves as the UPDF Inspector General, praised the retirees for their selfless service, noting that their sacrifices had preserved the nation. “No sacrifice is greater than the one you responded to. Put the well-being of your comrades first before yourselves,” he said.

He encouraged them to serve as “listening posts” for the UPDF and to help safeguard the progress achieved during their time in active service. Paying tribute to the spouses of the retirees, he added, “We respect you, we are proud of you, and the nation is proud of you.”

Expressing gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Lt Gen. Okiding commended his visionary leadership and encouraged the retirees to contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation using their wealth of experience.

Major General James Kinalwa, Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, explained that the retirement was part of a deliberate personnel renewal strategy. “Retirement is an important milestone, not an end,” he said. “It creates space for new adventures and for you to tell your story to future generations. In a professional army, it also makes room for younger, energetic personnel to take on the mantle of national defence.”

Maj Gen James Kinalwa, Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, explained that the retirement was part of a deliberate personnel renewal strategy. (Credit: UPDF)

He called on the retirees to embrace civilian life with the same courage and determination that defined their military careers.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Colonel Godfrey Kalyowa thanked President Museveni for his leadership and described the day as a dignified milestone marking both an end and a new beginning. “In the past, retirement was feared, but today it is dignified. It is now a transition, not rejection. We return as ambassadors of discipline, integrity and prosperity,” he said.

Col Kalyowa lauded the current state of the UPDF, calling it a respected institution both nationally and regionally.

The 149 retirees include 24 Colonels, 83 Lieutenant Colonels and 42 Majors. Each officer received a certificate of service in recognition of their contributions to national security and stability. Among the notable names were Col Abdu Nasser, Col Justus Besisira, Col Bernard Tumwesigire, Lt Col Jamada Kasongo, Lt Col Suleiman Kizito and Lt Col Khalid Nasur Kamya.

The ceremony was attended by Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen. Jack Bakasumba, senior UPDF officers, Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) officials, retiring officers and their families, and other members of the armed forces.