The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has retired Batch 16 personnel across its formations and units, with hundreds of junior and non-commissioned officers formally discharged from active service and urged to use their retirement benefits responsibly.
The retirement ceremonies, held on August 7, 2026, recognised the retirees for their service to Uganda while preparing them for the transition to civilian life and the reserve force. At the Land Force Headquarters in Bombo, Luweero District, 404 junior officers and militants were formally discharged from active military service.
Presiding over the ceremony, Commander of the Joint Staff Brigade Group Major General Dr Lucky Joseph Kidega commended the retirees for their patriotism, discipline and commitment to safeguarding Uganda.
“I am honoured to join you on this occasion as we recognise your dedicated service to our country,” Maj Gen Kidega said. He urged the retirees to remain ambassadors of the UPDF by upholding the discipline, values and ideology acquired during their military careers.“As you begin this new chapter, avoid alcoholism and drug abuse. Endeavour to stay healthy through regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet. Continue to live by the values that guided you throughout your military careers,” he advised.
The Director of Human Resource Management–Land Force, Brigadier General Emmanuel Ayuk, also encouraged the retirees to remain disciplined and take care of their health, while cautioning them against mismanaging their retirement packages.
“Spend your retirement packages with a clear plan because your sacrifices have greatly contributed to the stability of this country,” Brig Gen Ayuk said.Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Captain Augustine Tulyahanuka described retirement as a moment of fulfilment rather than sadness, thanking God for preserving his life throughout his military career.“I have served my country with pride.
This is a moment of profound emotion, not sadness, but fulfilment,” he said.Capt Tulyahanuka urged fellow retirees to embrace civilian life positively and invest their retirement benefits wisely.Similar ceremonies were held at UPDF formations across the country.
At the 3 Infantry Division, Division Commander Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma paid tribute to the retirees for their contribution to Uganda’s security and regional peace support operations. “It is now with great honour that the army retires you honourably. Go and use the skills you have gained in the army to serve the nation in other capacities,” Maj Gen Sserunkuma said.
He urged them to manage their retirement benefits prudently while maintaining the discipline that characterised their military service.
At the 5 Infantry Division, Division Commander Major General Keith Katungyi assured the retirees that they would continue to enjoy available services and privileges extended to members of the UPDF family.He cautioned them against making impulsive financial decisions after receiving their retirement packages.
“Do not be carried away by the money you receive as your retirement package. This is an important resource for your future. Use the knowledge you have acquired in financial management and invest wisely,” Maj Gen Katungyi advised.
At the Motorised Infantry Division headquarters in Nakasongola District, Division Commander Major General Charles Byanyima congratulated the retirees for their resilience and sacrifice, describing them as UPDF ambassadors in their communities.
He urged them to use their financial literacy skills to establish sustainable income-generating activities and encouraged them to remain active members of Wazalendo SACCO.
At the 1 Infantry Division, Division Commander Brigadier General Fred Mwesigye urged the retiring soldiers to maintain the discipline and values acquired during their military careers.
He also encouraged them to support and appreciate their families, who he said had remained a source of strength throughout their years of service.
The Armoured Division also retired 39 personnel in a ceremony presided over by Division Commander Brigadier General Pius Juma Kajuba.
Brig Gen Kajuba thanked the retirees for their service and commended the UPDF leadership for enabling soldiers to leave active service while still capable of pursuing productive lives.
At the Mountain Infantry Division headquarters in Muhooti, Kabarole District, 51 senior and junior non-commissioned officers retired from military service. Representing the Division Commander, Deputy Division Commander Brigadier General David Opeero described retirement as a transition from active service to the reserve force rather than an end to service.
He commended the retirees for their courage, discipline and sacrifice, particularly during operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and recognised the role played by their families in supporting their service.At the Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre in Mubende, Commandant Brigadier General Moses Kwikiriza urged the retirees to respect civilian authorities and abide by the laws of the communities where they settle.
“You are not going to open another front line with civilian leadership. You have to obey the laws that govern the population,” Brig Gen Kwikiriza cautioned. The ceremonies brought together UPDF officers, government officials, resident district commissioners, local leaders, families of the retirees and members of the communities where the formations are based. URN