President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has presided over the retirement of 19 senior Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) General Officers at State House, Entebbe, bringing their active military careers to an official close.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, August 20, recognised the officers for their years of service and contribution to Uganda’s defence and security. The UPDF confirmed that Museveni congratulated the retiring generals and praised them for maintaining discipline, patriotism, integrity and commitment to duty throughout their careers.

Among those who retired are Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda.

Other officers in the retirement group include Brig Gen Edson Muhanguzi, Brig Gen Sam Omara, Brig Gen Fred Zakye, Brig Gen Fred Rugadya Akiiki, Brig Gen Mike Samuel Kisame, Brig Gen Patrick Mwesigwe, Brig Gen Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure, Brig Gen Simon Nicholas Ocan, Brig Gen Metland K. Bitumbika, Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, Brig Gen Charles Asiimwe Kahangire and Brig Gen Cyril Mawa Muhindo.

Beyond commending their military service, Museveni used the occasion to advise the retirees on how to manage their finances after leaving active service.

The President encouraged them to consider relatively secure investments, including treasury bonds and fixed-income accounts, before committing large amounts of money to new businesses.

He gave an example in which an investment of Shs600 million earning 15 percent annually would produce Shs90 million in returns over a year.

Museveni also cautioned the retirees against quickly putting substantial savings into ventures that could expose them to unnecessary financial risks.

His message was that retirees should first secure a dependable source of income from their savings and then use the proceeds to finance other projects.

For retirees with access to land, Museveni suggested goat farming as one possible income-generating activity.

He said goats have an established market, reproduce relatively quickly and can be raised without expensive artificial feeds. He described the activity as a potentially simple and sustainable enterprise that could be undertaken on a modest scale.

The President also mentioned fish farming and rental housing among the projects that could be financed using income generated from safer investments.

His broader advice was for the retired officers to allow their savings to generate income before using that income to expand into other ventures.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, commended the retiring officers for their contribution to the transformation of the UPDF and the country's peace and security.

Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka also urged the generals to continue contributing to Uganda after leaving active military service.

Kiwanuka told the retirees that their association with the UPDF would continue and encouraged them to act as ambassadors of the institution wherever they go.

He also urged them to apply the financial management knowledge acquired during their careers to promote wealth creation.

Speaking on behalf of the retiring officers, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala said the generals were leaving behind an institution shaped by sacrifice, discipline and service.

He urged serving members of the UPDF to protect the institution's legacy by maintaining patriotism, professionalism and integrity.

Katumba also stressed the importance of respecting civilians and maintaining the relationship between the military and the population.

He called on the UPDF to remain loyal to Uganda's Constitution as the institution moves forward.

The retirement of the 19 General Officers formed part of the wider UPDF retirement exercise for August 2026.

According to reports on the exercise, a total of 1,817 military personnel were scheduled to leave active service, comprising 19 General Officers, 229 Senior Officers, 205 Junior Officers and 1,364 militants.

The retirement ceremony therefore marked more than the departure of a group of senior commanders. It also represented the conclusion of an important phase in the careers of officers who served in command, operational, administrative and strategic roles within the Ugandan military.

Museveni wished the retired generals success in their next chapter and encouraged them to remain active in their families and communities while using the experience gained during their military careers to continue serving society.