KAMPALA — Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has hailed 222 senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officers who have retired from active service, describing them as part of the generation that laid the foundation for the army’s transformation.
The officers, comprising Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and Majors, retired under Batch 16 during a ceremony held at the UPDF Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
Gen Kainerugaba said the retirees had served the country with loyalty, discipline and sacrifice, contributing to the development of the UPDF from its liberation-era roots into a professional and increasingly capable military force.
“These achievements rest on the foundation laid by committed officers, such as those we honour today,” Kainerugaba said.
He said the changing nature of security threats requires the UPDF to continue modernising, adopting new technologies and strengthening its capacity to respond to challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime and climate-related disasters.
The CDF urged the military to maintain high standards of discipline, accountability and operational readiness while embracing innovation and joint operations.
Retirement is a new chapter
Kainerugaba told the retiring officers that leaving active military service should not mean withdrawing from national affairs.
Instead, he urged them to use their experience and leadership skills to mentor young people, promote peace and contribute to development in their communities.
“I encourage you to see this not as the end of service, but as a new phase in your contributions to the country,” he said.
He also advised the retirees to handle their retirement benefits carefully, urging them to plan for the future, invest wisely and maintain financial discipline.
Families share the honour
The CDF paid tribute to the families of the retiring officers, noting that military service often comes with long periods of separation, difficult deployments and personal sacrifice.
He said the spouses, children and relatives of the officers had also played an important role in enabling them to serve the country.
“Today this honour belongs to them as well,” Kainerugaba said.
He also acknowledged the Government and President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for supporting the development of the UPDF.
Retirees pledge continued contribution
Speaking on behalf of the retiring officers, Col Kajungu Rutiinampora thanked the Commander-in-Chief and UPDF leadership for what he described as their contribution to peace and stability in Uganda and the wider region.
Rutiinampora also commended the army leadership for improving the welfare of soldiers and their families.
He pledged that the retirees would continue to support the country through civil-military cooperation and community engagement.
He further praised his colleagues and junior officers for maintaining teamwork and cohesion within the force.
Emotional send-off
The ceremony ended on an emotional note when Gen Kainerugaba and senior UPDF commanders lined up at the headquarters’ exit to bid farewell to the retirees.
Among those present were Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Air Force Commander Lt Gen Charles Okidi and Special Forces Command Commander Maj Gen Asaph Mwetesie.
The outgoing officers waved to the CDF and other senior commanders as they marched through the gates of Mbuya headquarters, formally bringing their active military careers to an end.
For the 222 officers, the march marked not simply retirement, but the beginning of a new chapter in their service to Uganda.
