Earlier this month the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force held a formal farewell at its headquarters in Entebbe, where 56 senior and junior officers were officially discharged from active service. Ugandan media outlets reported that the event was attended by senior defence officials and that the retirees were honoured for their years of service across various air‑force units and formations.
Lt Gen Charles Okidi, the Air Force commander, addressed the departing officers with a clear message: “Retire with pride and always defend our core values.” He urged the retirees to become good ambassadors for the UPDF, to engage in productive activities, and to make judicious use of government programmes designed to support veterans. Crucially, Okidi warned against “reckless lifestyles” and advised the officers to review their financial habits, distinguishing between needs and wants, and to involve their spouses in the transition.
Chief of Staff Air Force Brig Gen James Itungo thanked the retirees for their dedication to safeguarding Uganda’s airspace, while Colonel Patrick Mutome, speaking on behalf of the cohort, pledged that the former officers would continue contributing to the country’s economic development and uphold disciplined conduct in their communities. The ceremony also featured Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe and other senior officers, underscoring the collective appreciation of the force’s leadership.
The retirement of the 56 officers forms a segment of the UPDF’s Batch 16 retirement exercise scheduled for August 2026, which will see a total of 1,817 personnel—19 general officers, 229 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 soldiers—transition out of active duty. The Ugandan Air Force, headquartered in Entebbe, is a branch of the Uganda People’s Defence Force; its current commander is Charles Lutaaya, with Emmanuel Kwihangana serving as chief of air staff.
- Uganda Air Force — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda_Air_Force - Uganda People's Defence Force — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uganda_People's_Defence_Force - Honoring Retiring UPDF Air Force Officers: A Transition into New... — https://weafrica24.com/2023/09/07/honoring-retiring-updf-air-force-officers-a-transition-into-new-horizons/ - UPDF Air Force retires 56 officers, warned against reckless... | Monitor — https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/updf-air-force-retires-56-officers-warned-against-reckless-living-5559460 - Commander UPDF Air Force Urges Retiring Officers to Guard Core Values ... — https://kampalapost.com/articles/commander-updf-air-force-urges-retiring-officers-to-guard-core-values-in-civilian-life - UPDF Air Force Honours 56 Retiring Officers in Entebbe | Pulse Uganda — https://www.pulse.ug/story/updf-air-force-honours-56-retirees-2026081510485835778