A special sendoff ceremony for senior army officers who are formally starting their retirement has been held at State House Entebbe, hosted by President Yoweri Museveni. The event marks the official retirement of several high-ranking officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The most senior officer among the group, Gen Edward Kale Kayihura, is scheduled to deliver a speech on behalf of his colleagues. The retiring officers, accompanied by their immediate families, will receive farewell addresses from Gen. Yoweri Museveni, who also holds the position of Commander in Chief of the UPDF.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony include the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Ssempijja, and the Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, among others.
The list of retiring officers includes several distinguished individuals who have dedicated decades of service to the military. Brig. E. Kwihangana, for instance, began his military service in November 1973.
Other officers in attendance at State House Entebbe for the sendoff ceremony include:
- Brig Gen Kaija
- Brig Gen Oluka
- Lt Gen Nakibus Lakara
- Maj Gen Wasswa
- Brig. Kamanyire
- Maj Gen D Wakalo
- MAJ Gen Orocha
- Brig Gen Frank Kyambadde
- Brig Gen Muhabuzi
In a related event, last week, another group of 93 senior army officers at the ranks of colonel, lieutenant colonel, and majors were formally discharged from service. The ceremony took place at the ministry headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, and was conducted by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. General Peter Elwelu.
The sendoff ceremonies honor the dedicated service of these officers and provide an opportunity to celebrate their contributions to the country’s defense and security. The UPDF continues to undergo transitions and reforms to ensure its effectiveness and readiness for future challenges.