Uganda’s military is entering a significant transition as some of its most senior officers prepare to formally leave the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) after long careers in the country’s security establishment.
Among those set to retire are Gen Edward Katumba Wamala and Gen Maj Abel Kandiho, two senior figures whose careers have extended beyond the military into Uganda’s police, intelligence and government structures.
The UPDF has announced that 19 generals will be formally retired on August 20, 2026, at a ceremony to be held at the Presidential residence in Kampala.
The ceremony will be presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of Uganda’s armed forces.
Katumba Wamala among senior officers leaving military service
Gen Edward Katumba Wamala is one of Uganda’s most prominent former military commanders and security officials.
He served as Inspector General of Police from 2001 to 2005, becoming the first serving military officer to be appointed to lead the Uganda Police Force.
Katumba Wamala later commanded the Uganda Army’s land forces from 2005 to 2013 before becoming Chief of Defence Forces, a position he held until 2017.
His career subsequently moved into civilian government, where he served as Minister of Works and Transport.
In May 2026, President Museveni appointed him Minister of Public Service, a position he continues to hold.
His military retirement therefore does not amount to an immediate departure from government, as he remains active in the country’s civilian administration.
Abel Kandiho’s intelligence background
Gen Maj Abel Kandiho is another high-profile name included in the retirement programme.
Kandiho is particularly known for his role in Uganda’s military intelligence system, having previously headed the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).
He was removed from the leadership of CMI in early 2022 and was subsequently assigned to the Uganda Police Force, where he became Chairman of its Senior Command structure.
That position placed him in a strategic role involving coordination within Uganda’s security and policing structures.
In 2024, Kandiho was removed from the Police Force and appointed Senior Presidential Adviser to President Museveni.
His retirement from UPDF comes as the Ugandan military carries out a wider restructuring involving officers across different ranks.
Seven generals among the names announced
Alongside Katumba Wamala and Kandiho, the list includes Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina and Gen Maj Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime.
Gen Maj Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Gen Maj Leopold Eric Kyanda are also among the senior officers scheduled to retire.
In total, 19 generals are expected to be formally retired during the August 20 ceremony in Kampala.
Retirement programme involves 1,817 military personnel
The retirement of the generals forms part of a much wider UPDF exercise involving 1,817 military personnel during August.
The group includes 229 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 other military personnel.
Officers outside the general ranks have already begun completing the retirement process this week at the UPDF headquarters in Mbuya and at other military offices across the country.
The figures underline the scale of the exercise, which extends across several layers of Uganda’s military structure rather than being limited to senior commanders.
UPDF praises officers for years of service
The Ugandan military has thanked the officers for their years of service, saying they made important contributions to protecting the country’s sovereignty and supporting peace and security in the region.
The August 20 ceremony will therefore mark both the formal retirement of some of Uganda’s most senior military figures and the conclusion of a broader retirement exercise involving more than 1,800 personnel.
A notable transition for Uganda’s security establishment
The departure of senior figures with extensive records such as Katumba Wamala and Kandiho represents a notable generational and institutional transition within Uganda’s security establishment.
While some retired officers may continue serving the country through civilian government or advisory roles, their formal military careers will come to an end with the retirement ceremony. President Museveni will preside over the event as Commander-in-Chief, marking the formal conclusion of their service in the UPDF.
