Nineteen long-serving General Officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces are scheduled to retire on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during a ceremony at State House Entebbe that will be presided over by President and Commander-in-Chief Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The General Officer Cohort
Gen. Abel Kandiho, Maj.
Gen. Sam Omara, Brig. Gen. Fred Zakye, Brig.
Gen. Metland K. Bitumbika, Brig. Gen. Cyril Mawa Muhindo.
Conclusion of the August 2026 Retirement Exercise
According to Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, the upcoming State House event will formally conclude the military’s broader retirement program for the month.
“The retirement of the General Officers will formally close the noble send-off exercise, with a total of 1,817 officers and militants retired in August 2026,” Col. Magezi stated.
The wider retirement cohort is broken down into 19 General Officers, 229 senior officers, 205 junior officers, and 1,364 militants. While the generals await their formal acknowledgement at State House, the senior officers, junior officers, and militants were processed earlier in the week at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya alongside respective service and division headquarters nationwide.
Institutional Acknowledgment
Addressing the departure of the personnel, Col. Magezi emphasized the military’s gratitude for their years of service to Uganda.
“The UPDF acknowledges and appreciates the distinguished and dedicated service of the officers and militants, who have dedicated their careers to safeguarding Uganda’s sovereignty, contributing to regional peace, and upholding the values of discipline, patriotism and Pan-Africanism,” he said, noting that the transition opens a productive new chapter for the retirees.
The military leadership maintains that the institutional process remains transparent and structured to honor personnel who have completed their service.
“The institution remains committed to a dignified and transparent retirement process, reflecting respect and admiration for the men and women who have served the nation with loyalty and courage,” Col. Magezi added.
