news 12 August 2026 Nile Post
Gen. Muhoozi Encourages Retiring UPDF Officers to Continue National Service
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called upon 222 senior UPDF officers retiring from active service to leverage their extensive military experience for continued national contribution. He emphasized that their expertise remains valuable in community development, mentorship, and promoting patriotism. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/363058/gen-muhoozi-urges-retiring-updf-officers-to-remain-engaged-in-national-service
Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has urged 222 senior officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) who are retiring to remain actively involved in national affairs. The officers, including Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, and Majors, retired under Batch 16 at a ceremony held at the UPDF Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya.
Gen. Muhoozi stated that retirement should not signify an end to their service to Uganda. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace this new phase by utilizing their acquired wisdom and leadership skills to foster peace, mentor younger generations, and support community development initiatives.
“I encourage you to see this not as the end of service, but as a new phase in your contributions to the country. Uganda still needs your experience, wisdom, and leadership,” Gen. Muhoozi remarked. He challenged the retirees to become “ambassadors of patriotism, discipline, and the unity of our people.”
The Commander of Defence Forces also advised the retiring officers to practice financial prudence as they transition into civilian life, cautioning against mismanagement of their retirement benefits. He encouraged wise planning, prudent investment, and sustained financial discipline.
Gen. Muhoozi acknowledged the significant role these officers have played in shaping the UPDF into one of Africa’s professional militaries, tracing its roots from the liberation struggle. He highlighted that the force’s current achievements stand on the foundation laid by dedicated personnel like those retiring.
Looking ahead, Gen. Muhoozi stressed the UPDF’s need for continuous modernization and adaptation to evolving security challenges, including terrorism, cybercrime, and climate-related disasters, necessitating enhanced technological capabilities and joint operations.
He also extended gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for his support in the UPDF’s development and paid tribute to the families of the retiring officers, recognizing the sacrifices made through prolonged separations and difficult deployments that are inherent in military service. The recognition, he noted, should extend to their families who shared the burden of service.
Source: Nile Post