KAMPALA — Gen Edward Katumba Wamala is among 1,590 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel scheduled to retire this month as the army carries out one of its latest major retirement exercises.
Katumba, a former Chief of Defence Forces and current Minister of Public Service, is one of 19 general officers listed for retirement under Batch 16.
The exercise covers personnel serving in various formations and units of the UPDF, including 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 militants.
UPDF Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi confirmed the retirement programme.
Other senior commanders scheduled to retire include 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 222 senior officers, whose ranks range from major to colonel, are scheduled to be formally retired on August 12 during a ceremony at the UPDF Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya.
The UPDF said a separate date for the ceremonial send-off of the 19 general officers will be announced later.
The retirement exercise comes as the army undertakes a recruitment drive targeting more than 10,000 new personnel to fill staffing gaps created by retirements and other changes in the force.
The UPDF has also begun preparing personnel for life after active service, including financial literacy sessions aimed at helping retirees manage their finances and assets.
Maj Gen James Kinalwa, representing the Chief of Joint Staff, told retiring personnel at a financial literacy session at Mbuya Military Headquarters that they should prepare for changes in their income and benefits after leaving the army.
“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,” Kinalwa said.
He urged the retirees to establish sustainable sources of income and avoid relying solely on their previous earnings.
Kinalwa also cautioned them against disposing of their assets because of poor financial decisions after retirement, urging them instead to protect and invest what they had accumulated during their careers.
Gen Katumba, who turns 70 later this year, has spent more than four decades in Uganda’s security services.
His military career included serving as Commander of the UPDF Land Forces and Chief of Defence Forces. He later served as Inspector General of Police before moving into Cabinet.
Katumba was appointed Minister of Public Service in the May 2026 Cabinet reshuffle, having previously served as Minister of Works and Transport.
Under UPDF regulations, generals and lieutenant generals retire at 65, while major generals retire at 62.
The army has described the retirement exercise as part of efforts to maintain a professional and modern force while recognising personnel who have completed their service to the country.
