Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), presided over the retirement send-off ceremony for seven generals at State House, Entebbe on Friday, August 8.
The retiring generals include Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, Lt Gen Francis Okello, Maj Gen Hudson Mukasa, Maj Gen George Igumba, Brig Gen John Byuuma, Brig Gen Dominic Twesigomwe, and Brig Gen Augustine Kyazze.
They are part of a larger group of 1,346 military personnel set to retire in the 2025/26 financial year.
In his remarks, Museveni reflected on the early days of the armed struggle that laid the foundation the UPDF, as he recalled the initial battles and resistance efforts through which a small movement grew into a serious force.
“What started as something small, even seemingly insignificant, became something very serious. I want to agree with those praising God for these achievements,” he said.
Museveni became president in 1986 after leading a five-year liberation struggle that followed the disputed 1980 election. He formed the National Resistance Army, mobilised support in the Luwero Triangle, and steadily advanced until achieving victory and assuming the nation’s leadership.
During the retirement and send-off ceremony of the officers, Museveni stressed the importance of sustaining troop numbers in the UPDF.
“The key is having enough numbers. When fighting, you make a big call to bring many people, but you pay small amounts so you can sustain enough troops. Now, as the economy improves, we must improve salaries and retirement benefits. I don’t want generals to retire in poverty,” he noted.
He emphasised the need for financial education among retiring soldiers. “We must educate soldiers properly about retirement, financial management, and safe investments. For example, putting money in fixed accounts or government treasury bills can generate stable returns without risk.”
Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Marksons Oboth, thanked the retiring generals and their families for their commitment.
“Many of you joined service at the same time, but not all who joined with you are here today or still alive. God has been with you on this journey alongside the retiring generals,” he said.
On behalf of the retirees, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to retire with dignity.
“Today you have made us retire, marching upright, with our heads up, shoulders high, chest out,” he said.
Elwelu acknowledged challenges along the way but highlighted the President’s role as a unifying and strategic leader. “You never showed any signs of hypocrisy based on pride, religion, education, or hierarchy. You believed in facts, not hearsay.”
Drawing on biblical reflections from 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Lt Gen Elwelu said, “We have fought a good fight. We have finished our race. We have kept the faith.”
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