BY BOY FIDEL LEON
Uganda’s President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved the retirement of former Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura in a pull of 11 generals and 99 Senior Officers from the rank of Major to Colonel.
Gen Kayihura’s retirement comes five years since he was fired from the police before he was arrested and battled multiple charges in the court martial.
There has since been talk about having the charges since his release.
The others retired include former Chief of Military Intelligence, Lieutenant General James Nakibus Lakara are among some of the notable names on the general retirement list of Batch 13A.
Other senior officers who will retire include Major General Samuel Wasswa Mutesasira, Major General Joseph Arocha, Major General David K Wakaalo, Brigadier General Austine Kasatwooki Kamanyire, Brigadier General Stephen Oluka, Brigadier General Frank Katende Kyambadde, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kwihangana, Brigadier General Wilson Muhabuzi, and Brigadier General Ham Atwoki Kaija.
The retirement of the 110 Generals and 99 Senior Officers which will take effect on August 31, 2023, is part of the UPDF’s ongoing restructuring efforts and is aimed at rejuvenating the force with new blood.
The UPDF has expressed its appreciation for the services of the retiring officers to their country while in active service and wished them good luck in their retirement.
The retirement of these senior officers is expected to create room for promotions and appointments of new officers to fill the leadership gap and these changes are expected to further strengthen the force and its capabilities.
The UPDF is one of Africa’s most professional and respected military forces having currently having their feet in deep in Somalia with over 3000 UPDF soldiers, 9000 in the Eastern DRC and hundreds deployed in South Sudan and Equatorial Guinean.