Kampala, Uganda: Seven Generals of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have been cleared by the army to retire later this year, after decades of distinguished service marked by leadership, peacekeeping missions, and institutional development.
The officers were formally documented on Tuesday, May 27, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya, during a ceremony led by the Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba.
Among the retirees is Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, a former Deputy CDF and prominent figure in Uganda’s military engagements in the region.
Others include Maj Gen Hudson Mukasa, Maj Gen Francis Ben Okello, Maj Gen George Igumba, Brig Gen John Byuma, Brig Gen Dominic Twesigomwe, and Brig Gen Augustine Kamyuka Kyazze.
“These leaders have made remarkable contributions to national and regional peace, especially through international missions such as those in Somalia,” said Maj Gen Bakasumba, praising their role in building the force’s command and strategic depth.
He emphasized that retirement is a natural transition that opens up space for younger officers while maintaining continuity in military operations.
“There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experience, just waiting to happen. Some call it retirement, I call it bliss,” Maj Gen Bakasumba remarked, quoting American biochemist Betty Sullivan.
He also pointed to ongoing amendments to the UPDF Act (2005), aimed at strengthening veteran welfare, especially access to medical care, disability compensation, and full burial honours.
Brig Gen James Kinalwa, the in-charge of Joint Staff Human Resource Management, encouraged the retirees to maintain the discipline that defined their military careers and remain cautious about health and public conduct as they return to civilian life.
The documentation function was attended by MODVA officials, the Joint Services legal team, and representatives from the Veterans Legal Aid Clinics.
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