KAMPALA, UGANDA — General Edward Katumba Wamala has marked the completion of 47 years of military service to Uganda, bringing to a close one of the country’s longest and most distinguished careers in uniform.
Katumba, who began his military journey in 1979, marked the milestone on 31 July 2026, reflecting on nearly five decades spent serving Uganda through some of the country’s most significant chapters in security and national leadership.
“47 years in uniform. 47 years of service to Uganda,” Katumba said in a message marking the end of his military career.
“As I close this chapter, I do so with deep gratitude to God, my comrades, the UPDF and the people of Uganda for the privilege to serve.”
His military journey began at a pivotal moment in Uganda’s history. After joining the military in 1979, Katumba rose through the ranks and went on to occupy some of the most senior positions in Uganda’s security establishment.
By 2013, he rose to become Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the highest professional position in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He served as army chief until 2017, when he was appointed to the Ministry of Works and Transport.
His career also extended beyond the military. Katumba served as Inspector General of Police, making him one of the few senior Ugandan security figures to have led both the country’s military and police institutions. He was appointed IGP in 2001.
Before becoming CDF, he had held a succession of command positions within the army, including Commander of the UPDF Land Forces. He also commanded the 4th Division and served in other operational and training roles during his rise through the military hierarchy.
His career included service during periods of armed conflict and major security operations. Looking back in a 2017 interview, Katumba said he had joined the army in 1979, risen to the rank of lieutenant by 1980, and had participated in battles and led soldiers and officers in the field.
One of the operations he later identified as a major highlight of his career was his command during operations against the West Nile Bank Front in northern Uganda. He also served as Commander of Land Forces during a period when the UPDF was deeply involved in regional security operations, including its mission in Somalia.
Katumba’s military credentials also earned international recognition. In 2014, he was inducted into the U.S. Army War College International Hall of Fame, following his studies at the institution in Pennsylvania.
His transition from the military into civilian administration did not mark the end of his public service. Following his tenure at Works and Transport, Katumba remained a senior figure in government and, under President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026–2031 Cabinet, was appointed Minister of Public Service.
The completion of his military service therefore represents the end of one chapter rather than an exit from public life.
For Katumba, the journey from a young soldier in 1979 to a four-star general, former CDF, former Inspector General of Police and Cabinet minister has spanned almost half of Uganda’s post-independence history.
As he closes the military chapter, Katumba thanked the people and institutions with whom he shared the journey.
“A lifetime in service. A country forever in my heart,” he said.
