President Museveni presides over retirement ceremony of 19 UPDF Generals

What the report says

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Thursday presided over the retirement ceremony of 19 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) generals at State House, Entebbe, according to Watchdog Uganda. The event brought together senior defence officials, retiring officers and government representatives to mark the end of active service for a group of long-serving military leaders.

Museveni congratulated the officers for their contribution to the UPDF and said they had helped strengthen security while upholding values such as discipline, patriotism, integrity and dedication to duty. He also used the occasion to give retirement and financial advice, urging them to invest cautiously and consider lower-risk options such as treasury bonds, fixed accounts and small-scale projects that can generate steady returns.

The president specifically mentioned options like goat rearing, fish farming and rental housing as examples of activities that could suit retirees with land or savings. The article said he encouraged them to remain useful to their families and communities and to apply the experience gained in uniform to civilian life.

Among those retiring were Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema Awany, Lt. Gen. Charles Angina and Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho, alongside several brigadier generals. Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding and Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka also praised the retirees for their role in the UPDF’s transformation and for contributing to peace and security. In broader context, such military retirement ceremonies in Uganda often serve both as a formal handover and as recognition of senior officers’ public service.