The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is set to hold the First Kampala Defence and Security Expo in memory of the Late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima for his exceptional contribution to the peace and development of Uganda during his active days before his tragic demise in 2015.
The three-day event will be held from September 10-12, 2024, at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort, where President Museveni will deliver a keynote address.
According to Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, the late Nyakairima is a paragon of revolutionary sacrifice, pan-Africanism, patriotism, courage, and an accomplished freedom fighter.
He added that his philosophy of “work, work, and work” with little or no pay’ made him a great team builder who always sought to harness the skills and capabilities of personnel.
“He was the epitome of ethics and integrity and an ardent fighter of corruption and service indiscipline in the army. He upheld and enforced actions and behavior enshrined in the UPDF Code of Conduct and ethical standards. He is remembered for countering the ghost soldier scandal by instituting reforms in the salary pay system and by payment of soldiers salaries through banks,” Masiko said.
While addressing the press members at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday 6, 2024, Masiko added that the late Nyakairima left an indelible mark as a legislator who actively contributed to the constitution-making process as a delegate that introduced UPDF representation in Parliament.
Rosemary Kisembo, the Executive Director of the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA), said that as a Minister of International Affairs, Nyakairima remained a strong pillar in the security sub-sector as head of the National Identification Registration Authority and built a firm foundation for its continuous improvement, adding that he instituted significant reforms to strengthen the Directorate’s citizenship and immigration control.
Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye said Nyakairima was a strategic thinker, passionate about thorough preparation and planning before undertaking any task, adding that the late was quoted to have said “Plans are worthless; planning is everything.”
According to Masiko, the culture of remembering the life and contributions of illustrious persons of the nation is a major building block of instilling and inculcating norms and values of patriotism, adding that it’s a key avenue of inspiring the new generations to appreciate the importance of rendering selfless service to one’s country.
On September 12, 2015, while traveling on official duties from South Korea to Dubai, Nyakairima suffered a heart attack. He was later confirmed dead at the age of 56 years.
