On Tuesday, President Yoweri Museveni praised the late Gen. Aronda for his contributions to Uganda’s early resistance movement, noting that educated individuals like him, who came from oppressed backgrounds, played a critical role in the struggle’s success.
President Museveni made his remarks during a keynote address at the inaugural 2024 Kampala Defence and Security Expo, held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort as part of the Gen. Aronda Nyakairima Memorial Lecture.
The expo, which began on September 10th and will conclude on the 12th, is themed: “Celebrating the Life of Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima; A Paragon of Revolutionary Sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom Fighter.”
Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who passed away on September 12th, 2015, while flying from South Korea to Uganda, served as Chief of Defence Forces from 2003 to 2013 and was the Minister of Internal Affairs at the time of his death. He was a bush war hero who joined the NRA liberation struggle in 1982 after graduating from Makerere University.
The President highlighted the importance of education in the resistance, noting that Gen. Aronda and his peers’ proficiency in English made them valuable in the intelligence and political sections of the army.
He also acknowledged the contributions of other early combatants, including David Tinyefuza, Magara, Elly Tumwine, Tumukunde Henry, and Sande Mukulu, who played key combat roles at the onset of the fight.
While praising the legacy of Gen. Aronda and his colleagues, President Museveni also addressed ongoing challenges in the army, particularly corruption and insufficient training. He cited cases of theft involving army fuel, rations, pension money, and salaries, as well as corruption in personnel selection for external missions like those in Somalia. The loss of 57 soldiers in Somalia, he said, was linked to such corruption.
Despite these challenges, Museveni commended the majority of the army for their dedication and integrity, noting that much of the information on misconduct comes from within the ranks. He also praised the current Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his efforts to address resource mismanagement by reallocating funds to improve soldiers’ welfare and build barracks.
Reflecting on Gen. Aronda’s legacy, Museveni urged commanders to uphold the NRA’s collective welfare principles and continue initiatives like the Wazalendo program, which has greatly benefited soldiers. He emphasized the need for improved barracks, educational facilities for soldiers’ children, and healthcare units to further strengthen the UPDF.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba also paid tribute to Gen. Aronda, highlighting his profound impact on Uganda’s security and stability. “Today, we gather to remember Gen. Aronda, our longest-serving officer and former Minister of Internal Affairs,” he said, praising Aronda’s resilience and dedication, particularly during the UPDF’s deployment to Somalia in 2007 under the African Union.
As Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda was instrumental in driving key reforms, including the national identity card project and the revitalization of the Department of Immigration. Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized that honoring Aronda goes beyond remembering his contributions—it reflects an ongoing dedication to national security, service, and peace.
He further praised Aronda’s role in the defeat of the Lord’s Resistance Army and his leadership in regional peace efforts, including the pioneering deployment to Somalia. “His actions proved him to be a stabilizing force in East Africa,” he said, adding that Aronda’s story is a testament to courage and dedication, inspiring future leaders in both military and civilian sectors.
Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, the Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, emphasized the importance of preserving the legacies of national heroes like Gen. Aronda to instill national values and foster a culture of selfless service. “Honoring our fallen heroes is not just about remembering their sacrifices; it’s about cultivating a culture of gratitude and inspiring future generations to appreciate dedicated service to our country,” she said.
She praised Gen. Aronda’s significant contributions to Uganda’s security, political, social, and economic development, noting that his leadership in integrating the East African Community left an enduring legacy. The memorial event, she said, is dedicated to reflecting on his achievements and the values he embodied.
The commemoration will feature lectures and discussions led by eminent figures from both within and outside the UPDF, starting with President Museveni’s keynote address. “These activities aim to lay a foundation for exemplary leadership and inspire both military and civilian officers in their service to the nation,” Hon. Huda concluded.
Among the notable attendees were Ms. Rosette Byengoma, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces; Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, Commissioner General of Prisons; service commanders, retired generals, chiefs of staff, and the family of the late Gen. Aronda.
