Kampala | President Yoweri Museveni has emphasised the significance of organising memorial events, describing them as a “good culture” that should be preserved.
He was speaking at the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima‘s memorial thanksgiving on Thursday, September 12, at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
President Museveni stated that such events honour those who have sacrificed for the country and help people understand their contributions.
Museveni, 79, stated that such events foster a sense of unity among retired and serving generals who gather to interact and share experiences.
The President praised Gen Aronda’s efforts to ensure accurate identification of Ugandans, particularly voters, which he said helped to combat election cheating and voter manipulation, which are major causes of instability in Uganda.
He also recognised Gen Aronda’s role in revitalising the National Resistance Army’s principle of “strategic relationship with the people,” as well as his contributions to the revitalisation of Wazalendo SACCO.
Museveni urged Aronda’s family to be proud of his legacy and advised officers to prioritise their health, emphasising the importance of well-being while on duty.
Linda Aronda, the widow of the late General Aronda Nyakairima, thanked the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for organising a fitting memorial for her late husband.
She reflected on her husband’s commitment to service, recalling how they met in the 1990s while he was a Major in the Presidential Protection Unit. They got married in 1996.
She emphasised General Aronda’s tireless efforts as overall commander of Operation Iron Fist, which required him to spend extended periods of time away from his family. Aronda’s wife also praised his dedication to the National Identification Project during his tenure as Minister of Internal Affairs.
She attributed her late husband’s success to the leaders he worked for, particularly President Museveni, whom she thanked for his support for the family.
The main celebrant of the thanksgiving service, Rt Rev Onesmus Asiimwe, Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, praised President Yoweri Museveni for bridging the gap between the army and civilians and professionalising the UPDF.
Bishop Asiimwe described the late Gen as “a man of impeccable character and unquestionable integrity.” He stated that the late embraced the heritage of faithfulness, espoused Christ’s values, and never hesitated to express his faith openly.
The Bishop praised Gen Aronda’s ability to balance work and family life and encouraged the public to follow in his footsteps.
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