Just In!! UPDF to Retire Lt Gen Elwelu & Over 1,300 Soldiers in July
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is getting ready to retire a large number of its members in July 2025. This group includes Lt Gen Peter Elwelu and more than 1,300 other officers and soldiers.
Lt Gen Elwelu used to serve as the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, which is one of the top positions in the army. However, in March 2024, he was removed from that position. Later, he was given a new role as a Senior Presidential Adviser. Despite this change, he has continued to represent the army in the Parliament of Uganda.
This retirement is part of a regular process by the army, which they are calling “Batch 15.” In total, 1,346 people will retire in this group. Most of them are high-ranking officers, especially those holding the ranks of Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel.
Right now, these officers are taking part in retirement preparation activities. This includes filling out important documents and getting guidance on life after the army. All of this is happening at the Non-Commissioned Officers’ Academy in Jinja.
There have been reports of disagreements between Lt Gen Elwelu and Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is now the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). In December 2024, Gen Muhoozi made some strong public comments against Elwelu. He called him a “buffoon” and criticized his past actions in the army. These comments added to the rumors that their relationship had become strained.
Despite this, many in the army have expressed their respect for the retiring officers. Brig Gen Emmanuel Kanyesigye, who commands the Jinja Cantonment, praised the work these soldiers have done. He especially mentioned their bravery in fighting the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and helping to keep peace in areas like Karamoja.
He said that retiring from military service is a “noble and honourable milestone,” meaning it is something to be proud of after many years of service.
Another senior officer, Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema, who is in charge of pensions and compensation, gave important advice to the retiring soldiers. He warned them to be careful of people who may try to trick them or steal from them during the process of getting their pension payments.
Some other top officers who will also retire include Maj Gen Francis Okello and Maj Gen George Igumba. Maj Gen Okello once led the National Defence College in Jinja, and Maj Gen Igumba was in charge of the Senior Command and Staff College in Kimaka.
This group retirement is one of the biggest in UPDF history. It shows that the army is going through many changes in its leadership, possibly to bring in new ideas and younger officers.
