The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has finalized plans to retire seven senior generals within the coming month, in what officials describe as part of ongoing institutional renewal. The announcement marks the culmination of decades of distinguished military service by some of the country’s most accomplished officers.
A formal documentation ceremony was held on Tuesday, May 27, at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya. It was presided over by the UPDF Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, and attended by key MODVA officials, members of the Joint Services legal team, and representatives from the Veterans Legal Aid Clinics.
Leading the group is Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, the most senior officer on the list. A three-star general, Elwelu served as Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) from June 2021 to March 2024. Prior to that, he was Commander of the UPDF Land Forces (2017–2021) and previously headed the 2nd Division based in Mbarara.
Elwelu also played a major role in regional peace operations, including being among the first UPDF commanders deployed to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). He also commanded the controversial 2016 assault on the Rwenzururu Kingdom palace in Kasese, which led to the deaths of over 150 people and the arrest of King Charles Wesley Mumbere.
The other esteemed generals approved for retirement are:
- Maj Gen Hudson Mukasa – Uganda’s military attaché to Kenya since 2016 and former commander of the UPDF 2nd and 5th Divisions. He joined the National Resistance Army in 1983 and trained at the Tanzania Military Academy in Monduli. Mukasa also led operations against the Lord’s Resistance Army in Kitgum.
- Maj Gen Francis Ben Okello – The second commander of AMISOM (2008–2009) and former commandant of the Uganda Senior Command and Staff College (USCSC), the UPDF’s premier training institution for senior officers.
- Maj Gen George Igumba – Until recently the commandant of USCSC, following in the footsteps of the late Maj Gen Benon Biraaro, the institution’s founding leader.
- Brig Gen John Byuma,
- Brig Gen Dominic Twesigomwe, and
- Brig Gen Augustine Kamyuka Kyazze – All recognized for their long-standing service in various operational and administrative roles.
In his remarks, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba lauded the generals for their immense contributions to national and regional security, particularly in international peacekeeping operations.
“These leaders have made remarkable contributions to national and regional peace, especially through international missions such as those in Somalia,” he said.
He emphasized that retirement is a natural and strategic process that allows room for younger officers to rise, while preserving the institutional legacy.
Quoting American biochemist Betty Sullivan, Bakasumba added with a light tone:
“There is a whole new kind of life ahead, full of experience, just waiting to happen. Some call it retirement, I call it bliss.”
The ceremony also spotlighted ongoing legislative efforts aimed at improving the welfare of military retirees. Proposed amendments to the UPDF Act (2005) seek to ensure better access to medical care, disability compensation, and full burial honours for veterans.
Lt Col Onesmus Amanya, Deputy Director for Compensation, Pensions, and Gratuity, urged the outgoing generals to preserve the discipline and values that defined their service.
“Be mindful of your health and conduct,” he advised, as the officers transition into civilian life.
