It was a day of pride, reflection, and deep emotion as 52 officers of the Special Forces Command (SFC) officially retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The ceremony, held at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe, was filled with applause, gratitude, and heartfelt farewells.
At the heart of it all was Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, Commander of SFC, who paid glowing tribute to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his transformative leadership of the military. Speaking to the assembled officers, families, and dignitaries, Maj. Gen. Mugisha expressed admiration for how far the UPDF has come.
“We are forever grateful to the President—our Commander-in-Chief—for the vision and guidance that turned a guerrilla movement into one of the region’s most professional armies,” he said. “Because of his leadership, our retirees are leaving with their heads high, full of dignity and pride.”
The 52 officers retiring—eight senior officers and 44 lower ranks—represent decades of service, sacrifice, and commitment. Many of them have spent more than 30 years in uniform, often in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Maj. Gen. Mugisha was clear: retirement doesn’t mean the end.
“This isn’t goodbye. This is a new chapter,” he told the retirees. “You are not just leaving a job—you are carrying our values back into your communities. Stay disciplined, stay focused, and invest your retirement wisely.”
He advised the former officers to focus on sustainable ventures like agriculture or small businesses and to avoid high-risk investments that could jeopardize their hard-earned benefits
Col. John Mango Baraza, SFC’s Director of Human Resource Management, formally presented the retiring officers and highlighted what retirement means in today’s UPDF.
“This is not the end of your journey—it’s a professional transition,” he said. “Retirement gives you a chance to grow in new ways, build civilian networks, and give back with the wisdom you’ve gained.”
Some of the most moving words came from the retirees themselves. Lt. Col. Fred Mwesigwa, one of five senior officers who retired earlier this month, reflected on the evolution of the army—and the man behind it.
“President Museveni has been the anchor of this transformation. Through his leadership, we’ve adopted modern technologies, new strategies, and improved the way we operate,” he said. “Our force is stronger than ever.”
Capt. Emmy Rubonga, speaking for the lower ranks, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the mentorship and support the officers received throughout their service.
“We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and we’ve served with honor,” he said. “The President and the CDF have taken the UPDF to incredible heights. And to our commanders, thank you for always leading from the front.”
The ceremony drew senior officers, family members, and guests—including Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, SFC Chief of Staff; Col. Wilson Bagonza, Commander of 3 Special Forces Group; and various brigade leaders and directors.
As the event closed, there was a strong sense of unity and purpose. These retiring men and women are not just leaving service; they are returning to society as role models, guardians of peace, and living examples of what service to the nation truly means.
“You may be hanging up your uniform,” Maj. Gen. Mugisha told them, “but your mission continues—in your homes, your communities, and in everything you do.”
