The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is set to undergo one of the most significant leadership changes in its recent history, with 24 senior generals scheduled to retire from active service.
Leading the list is Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, a decorated veteran and former Chief of Defence Forces, whose military career began in 1980 during Uganda’s liberation struggle. Katumba has held several top positions including Inspector General of Police, Commander of Land Forces, and Chief of Defence Forces, and currently serves as Minister of Works and Transport.
Born in Bweeza, Kalangala District in 1956, Katumba’s career includes advanced military training at some of the world’s top institutions, including the US Army War College, as well as academies in Nigeria, North Korea, the former Soviet Union, and Tanzania.
Other high-profile retirees include Lt Gen Charles Angina, the current Deputy Ambassador to Egypt and former Deputy CDF, known for coordinating Operation Wealth Creation; Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema, who has long served in the northern region; and Maj Gen Leopold Kyanda, UPDF Joint Chief of Staff, who trained at India’s National Defence College.
The list also features Maj Gen Apolo Kasiita Gowa, Maj Gen Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, and Maj Gen Henry Ndarubweine Masiko. In total, the retirement roster includes five Major Generals, 16 Brigadiers, 28 Colonels, 42 Lieutenant Colonels, 183 Majors, and 254 Captains.
According to UPDF and Ministry of Defence spokesperson Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the process is part of routine institutional life. Retirement ages are set by rank: Generals and Lieutenant Generals at 65, Major Generals at 62, Brigadiers at 60, Colonels at 55, Lieutenant Colonels at 51, and Majors at 47.
“Retirement is part of the norm within the UPDF. We wish our comrades the best as they retire,” Maj Gen Kulayigye said.
This large-scale transition is expected to create room for younger officers, many of whom have been mentored by the departing commanders, to step into leadership roles and shape the future of the force.
Generals
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala
Lieutenant General
Lt. Gen. Charles Angina
Lt. Gen. Charles Awany Otema
Major General
Maj. Gen. Apolo Kasiita Gowa
Maj. Gen. Godfrey Katsigazi Tumusiime
Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho
Maj. Gen. Leopold Kyanda
Maj. Gen. Henry Ndarubweine Masiko
Brigadier General
Brig. Gen. Charles Asiimwe Kahangire
Brig. Gen. Charles Bakahumura
Brig. Gen. Bekunda Besigye Cyrus
Brig. Gen. Winston Byaruhanga
Brig. Gen. Metland K Bitumbika
Brig. Gen. Fred Mwesigye
Brig. Gen. Fred Rugadya Akiiki
Brig. Gen. Tom Kikoyo Kabuye
Brig. Gen. Mike Samuel Kisame
Brig. Gen. Cyril Mawa Muhindo
Brig. Gen. Edson Muhanguzi
Brig. Gen. Herbert Rwego Mbonye
Brig. Gen. Sam Omara
Brig. Gen. Simon Nicholas Ocan
Brig. Gen. Patrick Mwesigye
Brig. Gen. Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure
