On this day in 2020, Uganda joined Burundi and the wider East African region in mourning the death of former Burundian president Pierre Nkurunziza, with President Museveni ordering the national flag and the East African Community flag to be flown at half-mast across the country.
The directive followed Nkurunziza's death at the age of 55 and was formally announced on June 12 by then-Minister for the Presidency Esther Mbayo at the Uganda Media Centre. In a message of condolence, Museveni described Nkurunziza as a true friend of Uganda and a committed advocate of East African integration, extending sympathy to the government and people of Burundi.
Nkurunziza had been one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern Burundian politics. A former physical education teacher, he joined the CNDD-FDD rebel movement during the Burundian Civil War and rose through its ranks before becoming president in 2005.
His early years in office were associated with efforts to stabilise a country emerging from conflict and deepen regional cooperation, including Burundi's participation in the East African Community.
His relationship with Uganda reflected both cooperation and occasional tension.
During Burundi's political crisis in 2015, Museveni served as the East African Community's chief mediator and hosted several rounds of dialogue in Kampala aimed at easing the standoff that followed Nkurunziza's controversial decision to seek a third term.
While disagreements emerged over the peace process and regional diplomacy, both countries continued to work together on trade, security and infrastructure projects.
Nkurunziza also encouraged Ugandan investment in Burundi's reconstruction efforts and supported stronger economic links between the two neighbours.
The lowering of flags on June 13, 2020, stood as Uganda's official tribute to a leader whose presidency helped shape Burundi's post-war era and whose legacy remains closely tied to the successes and challenges of East African integration.