67 soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Special Forces Command (SFC) officially retired on August 7, 2026, in a ceremony held at SFC Headquarters, preceding a larger retirement event on August 12 at the National Defence Force Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala. The group of retirees includes four Captains, 17 Lieutenants, 23 Warrant Officers, nine Staff Sergeants, 12 Sergeants, and two Corporals.
Col. Night Ikiriza, the SFC Director of Personnel, expressed gratitude to the retired soldiers and their families for their sacrifices during military service. Brig. Gen. John Mango Baraza, the Chief of Staff of the SFC, highlighted the soldiers’ involvement in diverse operations, such as military missions, peacekeeping, and the protection of senior government officials. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by these personnel, including extended separations from family and hazardous working conditions.
Baraza encouraged the veterans to leverage their military experience in civilian life and reassured them of ongoing support from the UPDF through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Capt. Boaz Barigye Kazinduki, representing the retired officers, expressed appreciation towards UPDF and SFC leadership for the opportunities provided throughout their service and thanked their families for their unwavering support. The SFC’s primary role remains the protection of the President of Uganda and other key figures, alongside the safeguarding of significant governmental sites and fulfillment of essential military functions.
