General Edward Katumba Wamala yesterday retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces after 47 years in military service, ending a career that took him from the country’s liberation struggle to commanding the army, leading the police force and serving in Cabinet while surviving one of Uganda’s most shocking assassination attempts.
Katumba was among 19 generals who hung up their boots during a retirement ceremony at State House Entebbe on Thursday, where President Yoweri Museveni hailed their contribution to building peace and security in Uganda and across the region.
For Katumba, the ceremony marked the end of nearly five decades in uniform, a journey he described as one defined by sacrifice, loss, duty and unwavering love for the country.
“For 47 years, I served my country. Through war and peace, triumph and loss, I presented myself for duty. I wore the uniform with pride, knowing that behind it was the trust of millions of Ugandans,” Katumba said.
The four-star general reflected on a career that saw him witness Uganda’s transformation through some of its most difficult chapters, saying the memories of those years would remain with him forever.
“Along the way, I lost brothers. I made lifelong friends. I witnessed Uganda change, struggle and rise. I carry every memory with me. I retire with a heart full of gratitude,” he said.
Katumba joined the military in 1980 and rose through the ranks to become Commander of Land Forces before serving as Chief of Defence Forces from 2005 to 2013. He later became Inspector General of Police before President Museveni appointed him Minister of Works and Transport, a position he has held since 2021.
Throughout his military career, he participated in operations that stretched beyond Uganda’s borders as the UPDF expanded its role in regional peacekeeping missions.
Recalling those deployments, Katumba said he shared every hardship with fellow soldiers who answered the call of duty wherever they were needed.
“Together, we scaled the plains of Kitgum, the Kilak Hills of Gulu, the Zoka forests of Amuru, the dense forests of the Congo, the deserts of Somalia, and the vast plains of South Sudan and the Central African Republic, all in search of peace and stability, not only for the people of Uganda, but for our entire region,” he said.
He said the sacrifices made by Uganda’s soldiers had helped create stability that continues to benefit neighbouring countries.
“Wherever duty called, we went. We answered the call without hesitation. Today, it is not only Uganda celebrating the peace and stability we helped build. Our neighbours are celebrating too,” he said.
Paying tribute to the men and women who served alongside him, Katumba thanked them for their courage and loyalty throughout the years.
“To every man and woman who stood beside me through those difficult years, thank you for your courage, sacrifice, loyalty and service. We served together. We endured together. And together, we made a difference,” he said.
His retirement comes five years after surviving an assassination attempt that stunned the nation.
On June 1, 2021, gunmen riding motorcycles ambushed his official vehicle in Kisaasi, Kampala, firing multiple bullets into the car. The attack killed his daughter Brenda Nantongo and his longtime driver Haruna Kayondo, while Katumba sustained gunshot wounds to both shoulders before surviving after emergency treatment.
The attack became one of the most high-profile security incidents involving a serving cabinet minister and senior military officer, with Katumba later returning to public service after months of recovery.
As he laid down his boots, the retired general reserved his final words for his fallen comrades, his family and the country he served for nearly half a century.
“To the men and women with whom I served, thank you. To the fallen, I will never forget you. To my family, thank you for sharing me with the nation. And to Uganda, thank you for giving me the honour of serving you. My love for Uganda will never retire,” he said.
President Museveni described the retiring officers as architects of Uganda’s stability, saying the country’s peace had been built through patriotism, ideology, military professionalism and economic strength.
“I congratulate the retiring generals for the great contribution they have made to the UPDF,” Museveni said.
The President said he had closely followed each officer’s contribution over the years and appreciated the role they had played in building a professional military.
“I could go on and on about each of these generals. I personally know, in detail, the contribution each one has made. That is how much I appreciate the excellent work they have done. I salute them,” he said.
Museveni also recognised the sacrifices made by the families of the retiring officers, saying their support had made years of military service possible.
“I was also happy to meet their families. I wish them good luck,” he said.
The retirement exercise formed part of a wider UPDF transition involving more than 1,800 officers and personnel leaving active service as the force renews its leadership while recognising decades of distinguished service.
The 19 retired generals are Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema, Lt Gen Charles Angina, Maj Gen Abel Kandiho, Maj Gen Geofrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, Maj Gen Apollo Kasiita Gowa, Maj Gen Leopold Eric Kyanda, Maj Gen Henry Ndarubweine Masiko, Brig Gen Edson Muhanguzi, Brig Gen Sam Omara, Brig Gen Fred Rugadya Akiiki, Brig Gen Mike Samuel Kisame, Brig Gen Patrick Mwesigye, Brig Gen Stephen Tumwesigye Kashure, Brig Gen Simon Nicholas Ocan, Brig Gen Metland K Bitumbika, Brig Gen Charles Bakahumura, Brig Gen Charles Asiimwe Kahangire and Brig Gen Cyril Mawa Muhindo.
For Katumba, however, retirement was not the end of his commitment to Uganda, but the closing of one chapter in a life devoted to national service, a journey he ended with one final salute and a promise that his love for the country would outlive the uniform he wore for 47 years.
