Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called on retiring Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel to remain committed to national service after leaving active duty, according to the Daily Monitor.
The appeal came as 222 senior officers formally retired from the army, a transition that also drew remarks from the general about the need for continued modernization of the force, as reported by Chimpreports.
Muhoozi, who serves as the head of the UPDF, reportedly credited the outgoing officers for building a strong foundation for the military. In his address, he urged retirees to protect the army’s public image even after their service ends, a message echoed at a separate ceremony in Pader where the 5th Division released 119 personnel, according to New Vision.
The retirement wave includes Gen Katumba Wamala, who marked 47 years of military service at the event. SoftPower News reported that Wamala used the occasion to pay tribute to President Yoweri Museveni, acknowledging the president’s role in his long career.
The ceremonies highlight a generational shift within Uganda’s armed forces, as a large cohort of experienced officers steps aside. Muhoozi’s remarks suggest the military leadership is focused on ensuring that departing soldiers remain ambassadors for the institution while the force itself adapts to new demands.
Observers will be watching whether the retirement of so many senior figures leads to broader changes in the UPDF’s command structure or accelerates its modernization plans. For now, the message to veterans is clear: their duty to the nation does not end with their uniforms.
