President Museveni has mourned the passing of Ajelena Aero, mother of former rebel commander Francis Eregu—widely known by his nom de guerre “Hitler”—describing her as a beacon of forgiveness, resilience, and national unity for her role in bridging painful chapters of Uganda’s past.
Aero, aged 101, died on January 21 at Soroti City Clinic after a prolonged illness.
Her burial took place on Sunday, January 25, at her ancestral home in Arapai, Soroti City, attended by local leaders, family members, and government representatives.
In a message read by the Minister for Northern Uganda, Kenneth Omona, Museveni said he received the news “with sadness,” offering condolences on behalf of the Government and the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He referred to Aero as his “elder sister,” noting her dignity in the face of personal and national trials.
Francis Eregu was a senior commander of the Uganda People’s Army (UPA), an armed group active in eastern Uganda during the late 1980s and early 1990s that fought government forces and contributed to insecurity in the Teso sub-region before its eventual defeat.
President Museveni has previously pursued reconciliation with former rebels, and in June last year personally met Aero and her family at State House, extending forgiveness for past hostilities. The government also supported the construction of a home for her in her later years.
During the funeral, Dr Omona emphasized that parents should not be held accountable for their children’s actions, praising Aero for her courage in seeking peace.
The state provided Shs10 million toward funeral expenses to support the bereaved family.
Aero is survived by eight children, 51 grandchildren, and 128 great-grandchildren, including Catholic priest James Osuku.
