General Edward Katumba Wamala has officially retired from military service after 47 years in uniform, marking the end of a long career he says was defined by passion, dedication, commitment and love for Uganda.Katumba, who also serves as Minister of Public Service in the Ugandan cabinet, made the remarks during his farewell party at his home in Kikandwa, Kasawo, Mukono District, where he reflected on his military journey and some of the most difficult moments of his career.Among the deeply personal experiences he spoke about was the 2021 assassination attempt in which unknown assailants opened fire on his vehicle along the Kisaasi–Kyanja road. The attack claimed the life of his daughter, Brenda Nantongo, and his driver, Haruna Kayondo, while Katumba survived with serious injuries.Reflecting on the incident, Katumba said he would have found it particularly painful to die in such a manner after surviving numerous military operations and wars involving heavy weapons.“It was going to hurt me a lot to be gunned down by a serial killer on the road, yet I had survived many operations and wars in the bush that involved big machine guns and other weapons.”Katumba recalled one of his experiences in South Sudan, where he said he and his colleagues survived an ambush by rebels while fighting Joseph Kony’s forces.“One time we were in South Sudan fighting Joseph Kony, and the rebels made an ambush on us, but we managed to survive. I would have felt bad as a general to be killed by a terrorist on the road. I would have rather died in the war.”The retired general also expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for giving him opportunities to serve and exposing him to different challenges throughout his military career.“I thank God that my boss, President Museveni, saw my importance and usefulness. He gave me exposure and many challenges.”Update: Brian Macona shows signs of improvement following fatal car crashKatumba officially completed his 47 years of military service on July 31, 2026, bringing to an end a career that began in 1979.Reflecting on his retirement, he described his years in uniform as a privilege and expressed gratitude to God, his fellow soldiers, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and Ugandans for allowing him to serve the country.On 31 July 2026, I completed 47 years of military service to my country, a journey I undertook with dedication, commitment and love for Uganda. Forty-seven years in uniform. Forty-seven years of service to Uganda.As I close this chapter, I do so with deep gratitude to God, my comrades, the UPDF and the people of Uganda for the privilege to serve. A lifetime in service. A country forever in my heart.The post Gen. Katumba Wamala retires after 47 years of military service appeared first on MBU.