Retiring senior army officers are set to play a role in the 2026 elections, according to Lt. Gen. Samuel Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces.
Speaking at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, during a farewell event for 144 senior officers, Okiding said, “A political storm is coming in 2026. Let us remain united. When that time comes, we will work together to ensure election security, just as we have done in the past.”
Among the retirees were 24 colonels, 30 lieutenant colonels, and 90 majors, many of whom had served the army for over two decades.
Okiding emphasized that while past army retirements lacked dignity, today’s officers retire honourably.
Referencing Numbers 8:23-26 from the Bible, he highlighted the biblical tradition of retiring from active service and shifting to advisory roles: “They will only come to advise and guide, but they should not work.” He noted that retirement is not new, as it has been a practice initiated by God.
Okiding praised the officers for their dedication to the country, stating, “You have served with love, compassion, and resilience.
We are proud of you.” He also quoted Proverbs 4:23, advising retirees to guard their thoughts and be mindful of financial risks, warning them of potential exploitation from those posing as friends.
He urged the retirees to maintain contact with their colleagues still in service and commended their spouses, recognizing them as crucial to the officers’ success.
Okiding referenced Proverbs 14:1, saying, “A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish one pulls it down with her own hands.”
During the ceremony, Okiding also paid tribute to the late State Minister of Defence, Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi.
Representing the retirees, Col. James Wamala thanked President Yoweri Museveni for his efforts in securing peace for Uganda and the continent.
“As we retire, everyone can now acquire land and live freely across the country, something that wasn’t possible before 1986,” he said.
Wamala encouraged fellow retirees to remain steadfast in supporting civil-military relations and continue backing government initiatives.
