President Museveni Reflects on UPDF’s Humble Beginnings at Retirement Send-Off of Seven Generals

The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, presided over the retirement send-off ceremony for seven generals at State House, Entebbe.

The generals belong to Retirement Batch 15, which includes 1,346 personnel set to retire in the 2025/26 financial year. They included: 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.

In his remarks, President Museveni reflected on the early days of the armed struggle that laid the foundation for today’s UPDF. He recalled the initial battles and resistance efforts, noting that what started as 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.

President Museveni recounted how early ambushes against government soldiers in 1981 were part of a resistance movement seeking dialogue rather than conflict. “We didn’t want to fight; we wanted to talk to UPC and say, ‘Please stop what you are doing,’” he explained. “These operations were sending a signal that if they didn’t stop, things would get serious.”

He acknowledged the role of local supporters and credited divine blessing for the movement’s success. “This work has truly been blessed by God. Something that started so small, like sowing a mustard seed, has become a big tree where birds flock,” he said.

The President paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives, including victims of past regimes. “Recently, I was in Busoga with the children of those killed by Idi Amin’s firing squad in 1973. Those who killed them are long gone, dishonoured and forgotten, while our people are remembered.”

On soldiers’ pay, President Museveni stressed the importance of sustaining troop numbers. “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 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, Hon. 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.

Hon. Oboth warned retirees about financial scams. “We will never stop reminding our generals what to expect before their retirement benefits land in their accounts. When this money arrives, if you are not used to handling such sums, it can cause temporary confusion.”

He commended their prudence in avoiding risky investments and noted, “These retirement packages are bigger than they used to be. You are the only people in Uganda retiring with such generous benefits.”

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, praised Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his leadership. “A true team leader looks not only for the best for himself but also ensures those around him have better opportunities and an enabling environment,” he said.

He urged retirees to be cautious, especially with financial matters. “People will come to you, some pretending to care more than they do, offering schemes or investments that may seem attractive. But remember, the person who truly loves you most is your wife,” he advised.

He saluted the spouses of the generals for their support. “You stood strong when your husbands were away on duty, managing the home, sending children to school, and resisting temptations that could have torn families apart.”

Speaking 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.

Lt Gen Elwelu praised President Museveni’s leadership and the transformation of Uganda, particularly Karamoja, from insecurity to peace with improved infrastructure. “Your Excellency, you commanded all our military victories within and outside. Today, all the four corners of our country are peaceful,” he stated.

He 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.”

He thanked their families, especially their wives, for their resilience and support and acknowledged First Lady Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni for being a role model to military spouses. “Her exemplary performance enabled our wives to manage our families when we were busy with our duties.”

Elwelu urged the retiring generals to continue serving Uganda with humility and patriotism, grounded in love and unity.

The ceremony was attended by senior military leaders, including the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Abason Oleru; Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga; Commander Air Force, Lt Gen Charles Okidi; Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; and other generals.