KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni has saluted retiring Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) generals for what he described as their great contribution to Uganda’s peace and security.

Museveni said the UPDF and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) had been able to build and sustain peace and security in Uganda through a combination of factors, including patriotism, modern military technology and the strength of the national economy.

“I congratulate the retiring Generals for the great contribution they have made to the UPDF,” Museveni said.

The President said he was personally familiar with the individual contributions made by each of the retiring officers, stressing that their service had been instrumental in the country’s security achievements.

“I could go on and on about each of these Generals. I personally know, in detail, the contribution each one has made,” he said.

Museveni praised the officers for what he called their “excellent work” and formally saluted them for their service to the country.

“That is how much I appreciate the excellent work they have done. I salute them,” he added.

The President also expressed appreciation to the families of the retiring generals, noting that he was pleased to meet them during the occasion.

“I was also happy to meet their families. I wish them good luck,” Museveni said.

The officers — General Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geofrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita-Gowa and Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda — leave behind distinguished careers spanning the UNLA and NRA transition period to senior command and leadership roles in the military, intelligence, policing, diplomacy and public administration.

The remarks come as Uganda continues to recognise senior military officers completing their careers in the UPDF, following years of service in the country’s defence and security establishment.

Museveni’s message highlighted the importance of both military professionalism and broader national factors in maintaining Uganda’s security, particularly the role of ideology, technological advancement and economic capacity.