Gen Katumba Wamala among top UPDF commanders exiting Army

By Our Reporter 

 

KAMPALA — Gen Edward Katumba Wamala and several senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) commanders are set to retire this month as the army prepares to release 1,591 personnel from active service.

Gen Katumba, the Minister of Public Service and former Chief of Defence Forces, is among 19 general officers listed for retirement under Batch 16, according to the UPDF.

The retirement list also includes Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema, Commander of the Reserve Force; Lt Gen Charles Angina; Maj Gen Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime; Maj Gen Henry Ndarubweine Masiko; Maj Gen Apolo Kasiita Gowa; Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda; and Maj Gen Abel Kandiho.

The UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, said the exercise covers personnel across all ranks and formations, including 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 militants.

The 222 senior officers, ranging from Major to Colonel, are scheduled to formally retire on August 12 at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya.

The UPDF said the date for the send-off ceremony for the 19 general officers will be announced later.

The mass retirement comes as the military prepares to bring in more personnel. Last month, the UPDF opened recruitment for more than 10,000 new soldiers to help address staffing requirements.

 

Preparing for civilian life

 

Ahead of their departure, the retiring personnel have been undergoing financial literacy training aimed at preparing them for life outside the military.

Maj Gen James Kinalwa, representing the Chief of Joint Staff, told retiring personnel at Mbuya Military Headquarters that their financial circumstances would change once they left active service.

“You have been used to a monthly salary, subsistence allowances, office benefits and out-of-pocket facilitation, which may no longer be available once you leave the army,” he said.

Maj Gen Kinalwa urged the retirees to establish sustainable income sources and avoid selling their assets because of poor financial planning.

 

Katumba's military career

 

Gen Katumba has spent more than four decades in Uganda's security services and has occupied some of the country's most senior military and policing positions.

He served as Commander of Land Forces and later became Chief of Defence Forces before serving as Inspector General of Police.

He subsequently joined Cabinet and was appointed Minister of Works and Transport before being moved to the Ministry of Public Service in the May 2026 Cabinet reshuffle.

Gen Katumba turns 70 later this year.

His retirement comes despite his continued service in government as a Cabinet minister, meaning his departure from active military duty does not amount to an exit from public office.

Under UPDF regulations, generals and lieutenant generals retire at 65, while major generals retire at 62.

The UPDF said the retirement exercise is part of the force's efforts to maintain a professional and modern military while recognising personnel who hav

 completed their service.