Munyonyo |President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni praised the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima on Tuesday for his enormous contribution to maintaining order in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
Museveni was speaking at the Speke Resort Munyonyo during the 1st Kampala Defence & Security Expo 2024 (Memorial Event) honouring Gen. Aronda.
He described Gen. Aronda as “outstanding in ideology, discipline, and management skills.”
The three-day event’s theme is “Celebrating the life of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima; a paragon of Revolutionary sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom Fighter.”
The President praised the deceased’s deep understanding of the ideological principles of patriotism, pan-Africanism, socioeconomic transformation, and democracy, as well as his dedication to three critical historical missions: ensuring strategic security, promoting the East African Federation, and uniting Africans.
“Aronda was among those who understood the four ideological principles and the three historical missions,” said Museveni.
The President credited Gen. Aronda with spearheading the formation of Wazalendo SACCO.
Museveni, 79, warned against corruption, inadequate training, and mismanagement of military resources, and praised his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the current Chief of Defence Forces, for his efforts to combat resource misuse.
He urged the UPDF leadership to embrace collaborative solutions to address welfare needs such as education, health, and housing, thereby ensuring the well-being of military personnel and families.
Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence (Veteran Affairs), stated that remembering the lives, accomplishments, and legacies of fallen national heroes is critical in shaping a country’s ideology and instilling core values in its citizens.
“It is a key avenue for inspiring the next generation to recognise the value of selfless service to one’s country,” said Oleru.
She noted that Gen. Aronda is recognised for his contributions to Uganda’s security, political, and socioeconomic development, as well as his commitment to a Pan-Africanist perspective on regional issues.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, stressed the importance of paying tribute to the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the longest-serving Chief of Defence Forces.
“By remembering and honouring Gen Aronda’s life of work, we are preserving our military and national history. By remembering him, we preserve these lessons for future generations.”
He stated that during Gen. Aronda’s tenure, the UPDF won a significant victory over the Lord’s Resistance Army.
Gen. Kainerugaba also praised Gen. Aronda’s contributions to regional security, particularly his leadership in Uganda’s groundbreaking deployment to Somalia in 2007 as part of the African Union Mission.
“This demonstrated his role as a stabilising force in East Africa,” Gen. Kainerugaba observed.
As Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda championed the National Identification Project and revitalised the Department of Immigration, two achievements that the CDF highlighted.
Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, who died on September 12, 2015, was the Army Commander/Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF from 2003 to 2013 and the Minister of Internal Affairs from 2013 to 2015.
He died on the plane on his way to Uganda from a military conference in Seoul, South Korea.
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