President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his appreciation for the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for their efforts in honoring the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.
The memorial events, held from September 10 to 12, 2024, culminated in a church service where the President emphasized the significance of such ceremonies in promoting unity.
President Museveni lauded Gen. Aronda, who held prominent positions as Chief of Defence Forces and Minister of Internal Affairs, for his substantial contributions to Uganda, including the establishment of the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which plays a crucial role in ensuring accurate voter identification, a crucial element in maintaining electoral integrity, particularly in light of the historical context surrounding the 1980-81 elections.
He also attributed the formation of the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, one of the biggest and fastest-growing SACCOs in Uganda, to Gen. Aronda.
During the memorial service, both President Museveni and Gen. Kainerugaba reflected on Gen. Aronda’s pivotal role in the professionalization of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
The President described him as exemplary in discipline and management, while Gen. Kainerugaba noted that Gen. Aronda’s legacy serves as an inspiring testament to courage and dedication.
Gen Aronda’s widow, Linda Aronda, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Gen Kainerugaba for leading the memorial committee and acknowledged the Ministry of Defence for honouring her late husband’s memory.
Bishop Patrick Tugume also commended Gen. Kainerugaba for his organizational leadership and wished continued success for the UPDF.
The memorial events were attended by notable figures, including NRA veterans, current UPDF generals, senior officials, and foreign dignitaries.
