For a soldier who had survived battlefields and dangerous deployments, he said, dying in a roadside ambush would have been particularly painful.
Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has reflected on his nearly five decades in uniform, saying he would have found it deeply painful to survive some of the country’s most dangerous military operations only to lose his life in a roadside shooting.
Katumba, who officially retired from active military service in July 2026 after 47 years, made the remarks during a thanksgiving and appreciation ceremony held at his home in Kikandwa village, Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono District.
The event was organised by residents of Kikandwa in partnership with Mukono district leaders and local businessmen to celebrate Katumba’s life and service to Uganda.
Now serving as Minister for Public Service, Katumba recalled how his military career began in 1979 when he joined the army as part of Intake 17 Long, one of the first groups of recruits sent to Tanzania for military training.
He said the passage of time and the dangers the group faced had reduced the original intake of about 300 recruits to only a small number of survivors.
“Imagine 300 people, and you are among the 20 who are still alive. You grow and eventually reach the rank of General. Why wouldn’t you thank God?” Katumba said.
Parents Protest Indefinite Suspension of Senior Four Students at Mt. St. Henry’s High School Mukono
His career took him through numerous military operations in Uganda and beyond, including deployments in Somalia and other conflict zones.
Katumba recalled one particular incident in which his unit came under attack while returning from Sudan.
“There were all kinds of guns. Once, when we were coming from Sudan, we fell into an ambush, but we escaped and survived,” he said.
It was against this background, he said, that the 2021 assassination attempt left him particularly troubled.
“I felt very bad as a General when I was shot by a terrorist on the road. I said, ‘At least I should have died in an operation rather than dying on a roadside at the hands of a terrorist. That would have been the only thing that would have pained me so much if I had died in that attack,’” Katumba recalled.
2021 attack that changed his life
On June 1, 2021, armed assailants riding motorcycles attacked Katumba’s vehicle in Kisaasi, Kampala.
The attack claimed the lives of his daughter, Brenda Nantongo, and his driver, Haruna Kayondo. Katumba survived after sustaining gunshot wounds to his chest and arm.
Reflecting on the incident years later, the retired General said his concern was not simply about death, but the circumstances in which it could have occurred.
For a soldier who had survived battlefields and dangerous deployments, he said, dying in a roadside ambush would have been particularly painful.
‘Museveni gave me opportunities’
Katumba also credited President Yoweri Museveni for entrusting him with major responsibilities throughout his career.
He said he had been given opportunities to serve in several strategic positions, including as Inspector General of Police (IGP) and later Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
“When I joined the police, I found only one patrol operating in Kampala. I worked, and later he sent me to command the country’s armed forces as the Chief of Defence Forces,” Katumba said.
He recalled that his appointment as IGP initially attracted criticism from some Ugandans who questioned why an army officer had been chosen to head the police.
However, he said, opinions changed after he served in the position, with some later questioning why he had been removed from the police leadership.
Katumba also looked back at Uganda’s deployment to Somalia in 2007, saying he was proud of the progress made since the country’s initial involvement in the peacekeeping mission.
After leaving the military, he served at the Ministry of Works, where he said he witnessed significant growth in road construction and the number of roads being upgraded to tarmac.
He said one of his greatest sources of satisfaction was seeing officers he had mentored rise through the ranks and become generals.
“I feel happy that as I leave, I have left behind a legacy,” he said.
Katumba urged leaders to create opportunities for those they supervise instead of deliberately frustrating their growth.
Family endured the burden of military life
Katumba also recognised the role played by his family, particularly his wife, Catherine, in supporting him throughout his military career.
“I also thank my family, including my wife, children and other relatives, for allowing me to serve. It has not been easy, but God has enabled us,” he said.
Catherine said military families often carry burdens that are rarely visible to the public.
She recalled periods when her husband was deployed to places such as Nakasongola and Arua, leaving the family for extended periods with little communication.
“There were many difficulties. So, you also have to appreciate us. It is not easy. You go through many things, including periods of poverty,” she said.
She added that the hardships she experienced during her husband’s military career helped her develop resilience and independence.
Religious and political leaders praise Katumba
Retired Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese Jackson Matovu, who led prayers at the ceremony, described Katumba’s service as exemplary.
“Gen. Katumba has had exemplary service. Many people testify about him. We thank God for his service,” Matovu said.
Lt. Gen. Joseph Musanyufu, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, said he first encountered Katumba as a senior officer after joining the army and later worked with him for many years.
He described the retired General as a role model whose leadership influenced many officers.
Mukono Resident District Commissioner Hajat Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka urged parents to use Katumba’s life and career as an example when raising their children.
She said young people could learn from his discipline, commitment and service to the country.
‘You appreciated me while I am alive’
Katumba said one of the things that touched him most about the ceremony was that it was organised while he was still alive.
He contrasted the event with the common practice of celebrating people’s contributions only after their death.
“Who sang that song ‘Basiima Ogenze’? Literally translated, ‘they appreciate you while you are gone’. But today you have appreciated me while I am still alive,” he said.
He thanked the residents and organisers, describing the recognition as a special gift before God.
Minister of State for Fisheries Robert Migadde Ndugwa also recalled an encounter with Katumba when he was a student leader at Makerere University during a student strike.
Migadde said Katumba, who was IGP at the time, agreed to a proposal by students to withdraw security personnel from the university as a way of calming tensions.
He credited Katumba’s decision with helping prevent possible bloodshed during the confrontation.
‘He belongs to Uganda’
Former Mukono District NRM chairman Haji Twahir Ssebaggala, speaking on behalf of the organisers, said Katumba was honoured because his contribution extended far beyond Kikandwa and Mukono.
“He is not only our person. He belongs to Uganda as a whole,” Ssebaggala said.
Musician Mesach Ssemakula also praised Katumba for his support to Eagles Production, where he served as a patron.
Ssemakula said Katumba provided guidance to the musicians at a difficult time when many of them had lost their parents.
“He advised us a lot and helped us to produce people who are now admired by many,” Ssemakula said.
The ceremony brought together religious leaders, military officers, politicians, district officials, residents and other dignitaries.
Among those in attendance were Mukono District chairman Francis Lukooya Mukoome, Wakiso RDC Justine Mbabazi, Mbale Deputy RDC Yahaya Were, former Nakifuma County MP Robert Kafeero Ssekitoleko, 2nd Deputy Ssekiboobo of Kyaggwe County Fred Katende, Bishop Samuel Lwadasa of Mt. Lebanon Churches, Mukono Regional Super Khadi Sheikh Abdul Nulu Kakande and Mukono District NRM chairperson Haji Haruna Semakula.
The organisers presented Katumba with a plaque, an in-calf heifer and other gifts in recognition of his long service and contribution to the country.
From Wedding Bells to Funeral: Groom Dies in Bodaboda Accident Hours to Wedding Day!
