Emulating Gen. Aronda’s Legacy: President Museveni Calls for Discipline and Dedication in Defence Forces
By The Public Lens
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has honored the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, recognizing his exceptional discipline, organizational skills, and dedication to the country’s security and stability.
The President made the remarks during the inaugural 2024 Kampala Defence and Security Expo, held at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort as part of the Gen. Aronda Nyakairima Memorial Lecture.
The expo, held under the theme “Celebrating the Life of Hon. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima; A Paragon of Revolutionary, Sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom Fighter,” aims to commemorate Gen. Aronda’s legacy and inspire future leaders.
President Museveni praised Gen. Aronda for his role in the early resistance movement, saying that individuals like him, educated and emerging from oppressed backgrounds, were crucial to the success of the struggle.
He noted that Gen. Aronda and his colleagues’ education and proficiency in English quickly made them invaluable assets in the intelligence and political sections of the army.
The President also acknowledged the contributions of other early combatants, including David Tinyefuuza, Magara, Elly Tumwine, Tumukunde Henry, and Sande Mukulu, who took on combat roles at the onset of the fight. He emphasized that, despite the challenges posed by the loss of many historical Combat Commanders to natural causes, the UPDF/NRA/Fronasa managed to sustain its mission of liberating Uganda.
However, President Museveni pointed out ongoing issues, such as corruption and insufficient training, that have impacted the army.
He cited theft involving army fuel, rations, pension money, allowances, and salaries, as well as corruption in personnel selection for external missions such as those in Somalia.
He said the tragic incident where 57 soldiers were lost in Somalia was attributed to such corruption.
Despite these challenges, President Museveni affirmed that the majority of the army remains dedicated and clean, with valuable information about misconduct often coming from within the ranks.
He commended the current Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kaneirugaba, for addressing the issue of misuse of resources by reallocating funds to build barracks and improve soldiers’ welfare.
Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, also paid tribute to Gen. Aronda, honoring his profound impact on Uganda’s stability and security.
He praised Gen. Aronda’s resilience and dedication, particularly highlighting his role when UPDF was deployed in Somalia in 2007 under the African Union.
The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Oleru Abason, emphasized the critical importance of preserving the legacies of national heroes like Gen. Aronda.
She noted that Gen. Aronda is celebrated for his significant role in Uganda’s security, political, social, and economic development.
The event featured lectures and discussions led by eminent personalities from within and outside the UPDF, aiming to lay a foundation for exemplary leadership and inspire both military and civilian officers in their service to the nation.
In attendance were Ms. Rosette Byengoma, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs; Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces; Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, the Commissioner General of Prisons; service commanders; retired generals; service chiefs of staff; and the family of the late Gen. Aronda.
