Museveni urges UPDF to maintain culture of commemorations

President Yoweri Museveni has underscored the significance of holding memorial events, describing it as a "good culture" that must be preserved.

Speaking at the Memorial Thanksgiving for the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Museveni noted that such gatherings honor those who made sacrifices for the nation, helping others appreciate their contributions.

He explained that these events encourage unity among retired and serving generals, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen bonds.

Museveni lauded Gen Aronda's efforts in streamlining the identification of Ugandans, particularly voters, which he said helped curb electoral fraud—a key source of instability in Uganda.

The President also highlighted Gen Aronda's role in reviving the National Resistance Army's principle of maintaining a "strategic relationship with the people" and praised his efforts to reinvigorate Wazalendo SACCO. He credited these accomplishments to Gen Aronda's personal merit, urging his family to take pride in his legacy.

Additionally, President Museveni advised officers to prioritize their health, emphasizing the importance of physical well-being in their demanding roles.

Linda Aronda, widow of the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) for organizing a fitting tribute to her late husband.

Reflecting on their life together, she recounted meeting her husband in the 1990s when he was a Major with the Presidential Protection Unit (PPU), and they later married in 1996.

Aronda reminisced about her husband’s dedication to his work, notably his leadership during Operation Iron Fist, which often kept him away from the family.

She also highlighted his pivotal role in the National Identification Project during his tenure as Minister of Internal Affairs.

She thanked President Museveni for his support to her family and the Chief of Defence Forces for honoring Gen Aronda’s memory.

Aronda called upon UPDF leaders to continue checking on the widows and families of fallen officers.

Rt Rev Onesmus Asiimwe, Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, who led the thanksgiving service, praised President Museveni for bridging the gap between the military and civilians and professionalizing the UPDF.

The Bishop described Gen Aronda as a man of "impeccable character and unquestionable integrity" who embodied faithfulness and Christian values, encouraging the public to follow his example of balancing work and family life.