UPDF retires 149 officers urged to invest wisely
CAPTION: Retired officers walk out of Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya Monday 14th 2025. (Courtsey photo).
By Our reporter
MBUYA – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has formally 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 official retirement ceremony held at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, delivered a heartfelt message encouraging sound decision-making. “From here, all of you should think correctly and see where to invest your money,” he urged.
Citing Proverbs 4:23 – “Be careful how you think. Your life is shaped by your thoughts” – Lt Gen Okiding stressed the importance of mindset in shaping 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 for their distinguished service, describing the moment as historic. He recalled that retirement was once marked by fear and uncertainty. “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.”
He called on the retirees to view this milestone not as a conclusion, but as a new form 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 remarked.
Lt Gen Okiding, who also serves as the UPDF Inspector General, commended 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 act as “listening posts” for the UPDF and to play a part in safeguarding the progress made during their years of active duty. Paying tribute to their spouses, 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 credited his visionary leadership and encouraged the retirees to support Uganda’s socio-economic transformation with their accumulated experience.
Major General James Kinalwa, Joint Staff – Human Resource Management, explained that the retirement is a deliberate part of the force’s 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.”
He urged the retirees to transition into civilian life with the same courage and resolve that marked their military careers, highlighting that the process is guided by the UPDF Act.
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, who served as Master of Ceremonies and is also the Director of Defence Public Information, encouraged the officers to keep inspiring others to serve Uganda with honour and dedication.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Colonel Godfrey Kalyowa expressed appreciation to President Museveni for his leadership. He described the day as a dignified milestone that closes one chapter and opens another. “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 praised the current state of the UPDF, describing it as a well-regarded institution both nationally and regionally.
The group of retirees includes 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 retirees 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 officials, staff from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), retiring officers and their families, along with other UPDF personnel
