Former Chief of Defence Forces Gen Katumba Wamala has reflected on his 47 years of service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as he retires from active military service.
Gen Katumba officially retired from active service on July 31, 2026, becoming one of the 20 generals retiring under Batch Six of the UPDF retirement process.
In a post on X, Gen Katumba expressed gratitude to the army for giving him the opportunity to serve his country.
“On 31 July 2026, I completed 47 years of military service to my country, a journey I undertook with dedication, commitment, and love for Uganda. Forty-seven years in uniform. Forty-seven years of service to Uganda,” he said.
“As I close this chapter, I do so with deep gratitude to God, my comrades, the UPDF and the people of Uganda for the privilege to serve. A lifetime in service. A country forever in my heart,” he added.
Gen Katumba also reflected on how he joined the army, crediting President Yoweri Museveni, who was then Minister of Defence in the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) government, for encouraging and inspiring him and many others to join the military and serve the country.
“In 1979, as Minister of Defence in the UNLF Government, he encouraged and inspired many of us to join the Army and serve our country. That decision has shaped the greater part of my life,” Katumba said.
He said serving under Museveni as Commander-in-Chief had significantly shaped his military career.
“Serving under him as my Commander-in-Chief has left an indelible mark on my life. I remain deeply grateful for the trust, mentorship, and opportunity to serve,” he said.
Gen Katumba also paid tribute to several leaders and colleagues who, he said, played a significant role in shaping his career and leadership journey.
“One of the greatest rewards of a life in service is knowing that, along the way, you have touched lives, opened doors, groomed others, and inspired them to become better versions of themselves. Leadership, to me, is about building people, believing in them, and preparing them to carry the responsibility forward,” he said.
Background
Born on November 19, 1956, in Kalangala District, Gen Katumba joined the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) before crossing to the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1986.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s security establishment.
Katumba served as Inspector General of Police from 2001 to 2005 before being appointed Commander of Land Forces, a position he held until 2013.
He later served as Chief of Defence Forces until 2017.
Gen Katumba subsequently ventured into government service, serving as Minister of Works and Transport before being appointed Minister for Public Service earlier this year.
His retirement marks the end of a 47-year military career spanning the UNLA, NRA and UPDF.
