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The president praised Gen Aronda for his efforts in bridging military and civilian relations, noting that the success of the military is intertwined with public support
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President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for organizing events to honour the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima. Speaking at the memorial service, President Museveni emphasized the importance of such ceremonies in fostering unity and reflection. He noted Gen Aronda’s significant contributions, particularly in establishing the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society and the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
The late Aronda's wife and her son at the event
Museveni highlighted the role of NIRA in ensuring accurate identification of Ugandans, especially during elections, which he described as critical in preventing voter fraud. He linked the importance of fair elections to the bush war struggle, recalling the disputed 1980-81 election under UPC, which lacked a reliable system for ensuring transparency.
The president also praised Gen Aronda for his efforts in bridging military and civilian relations, noting that the success of the military is intertwined with public support. Using an analogy, Museveni said, “The army is like fish, and the population is the lake. You cannot have fish without water,” emphasizing the vital connection between the military and the people.
Opening his speech with a Runyankore proverb, Ogwiine kyenegyeza, tigutaara—meaning “A fire that has a keeper will burn brightly forever”—Museveni referred to the legacy of military leaders before and after Gen Aronda, asserting that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) would continue to thrive.
The president’s remarks were made during a church service on the final day of the three-day memorial event held from September 10 to 12.
CDF Muhoozi and his wife Charlotte Kuteesa attending the final event of honoring Aronda
Gen Aronda’s widow, Linda Aronda, expressed her gratitude to Gen Kainerugaba for leading the memorial event committee and thanked the Ministry of Defence for honouring her late husband. Bishop Patrick Tugume also praised Gen Kainerugaba’s leadership in organizing the memorial, saying, “May God continue to use you and the UPDF to do great work for Uganda.”
On the first day of the events, both President Museveni and Gen Kainerugaba reflected on Gen Aronda’s pivotal role in the professionalization of the UPDF. Museveni described him as “outstanding in discipline, ideology, and management,” while Gen Kainerugaba highlighted that Aronda’s story, alongside other heroes, stands as a symbol of courage and dedication.
CDF Muhoozi shakes hands with his predecessor Gen Mbadi
In his lecture, The Impact of a Multipolar World on Africa’s Security Posture, delivered on the second day, Gen Kainerugaba discussed how Africa has benefitted from a multipolar world. He explained that Africa’s struggles with slavery and colonization occurred when global power was concentrated in the West. “A bipolar or multipolar world, where power is shared by Asian and Euro-Asian nations, is very good for Africa,” he remarked.
He further emphasized that Africa’s decolonization was significantly supported by the rise of the Soviet Union and China, adding, “Without the rise of these powers, Africa would have faced greater challenges in freeing itself from colonial bondage.”
The CDF also lauded the rise of BRICS, a coalition of non-Western economies, as a positive step towards a more balanced global power structure. “Both are very good things for Africa,” he noted, underlining the importance of solidarity within the global south for Africa’s political and economic empowerment.
The three-day memorial events were attended by NRA historical figures, serving UPDF generals, senior officials, their families, and other prominent Ugandans, as well as foreign dignitaries.
Torch Media Africa
