The Joint Staff Human Resource Management of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Maj Gen James Kinalwa, has called on senior officers approaching retirement to view the next phase of life as an extension of national service rather than an end to their contribution.
Maj Gen Kinalwa made the remarks during a documentation exercise for 20 General Officers at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, a key step in the UPDF retirement process for officers scheduled to exit service later this year.
Representing the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, Maj Gen Kinalwa commended the officers for what he described as distinguished, dedicated and selfless service to the country, saying their work had played a central role in strengthening national security and professionalising the UPDF.
He emphasised that retirement should not be viewed as the end of usefulness, but rather as a transition into continued service through families, communities and other areas of national life.
He noted that the experience accumulated by the officers over decades of service remains a valuable national asset, citing their leadership, discipline and strategic thinking as qualities that can continue to benefit Uganda.
Maj Gen Kinalwa said many of the officers had served in demanding operational environments, where they commanded troops, mentored junior officers, and contributed to both national and regional peace and security efforts.
He further urged the retiring generals to remain available in advisory, diplomatic, academic and mentorship roles whenever called upon, saying their continued involvement would support national development.
The officers undergoing retirement form Batch 16 of the UPDF retirement programme and include one General, two Lieutenant Generals, four Major Generals and 13 Brigadier Generals.
The documentation exercise marks a key stage in the retirement process, while also recognising the officers’ contribution to Uganda’s security, stability and institutional development.