Aronda Was Outstanding On Ideology And Discipline – President Museveni
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the late General Aronda Nyakairima for his significant contribution to discipline in the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). Speaking at the 1st Kampala Defence & Security Expo 2024/Memorial Event in honour of Gen Aronda at Speke Resort Munyonyo, President Museveni described Gen Aronda as “outstanding on ideology, discipline, and management skills.”
The 3-day event is being held under the theme: “Celebrating the life of Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima; a paragon of Revolutionary sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom fighter.”
President Museveni praised Gen Aronda for his deep understanding of the ideological principles of patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He also recognized his commitment to three critical historical missions: ensuring strategic security, promoting the East African Federation, and uniting African people.
“Aronda was among those who understood the four ideological principles and the three historical missions,” said H.E Museveni.
The President credited Gen Aronda with spearheading the formation of Wazalendo.
President Museveni cautioned against corrupt tendencies, inadequate training, and mismanagement of military resources, and credited the current Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his efforts in fighting against the misuse of resources.
The President urged UPDF leadership to embrace collective solutions to address welfare needs such as education, health, and accommodation, ensuring the well-being of military personnel and their families.
Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence (Veteran Affairs), noted that honouring the lives, accomplishments, and legacies of fallen national heroes is crucial in shaping a nation’s ideology and instilling core values in citizens.
“It is a key avenue for inspiring the new generation to enable them to appreciate the importance of rendering selfless service to one’s country,” said Hon. Oleru.
She observed that Gen Aronda is celebrated for his contribution to Uganda’s security, political, and socio-economic development, as well as his commitment to a Pan-Africanist perspective on regional matters.
At the event, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces, emphasized the significance of paying tribute to the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima, the longest-serving Chief of Defence Forces, saying, “by remembering and honouring Gen Aronda’s life of work, we are preserving our military and national history. By remembering him, we preserve these lessons for future generations.”
He noted that during Gen Aronda’s tenure, the UPDF achieved a major victory over the Lord’s Resistance Army.
Gen Kainerugaba also praised Gen Aronda’s contributions to regional security, particularly his leadership in Uganda’s pioneering deployment to Somalia in 2007 as part of the African Union Mission. “This demonstrated his role as a stabilizing force in East Africa,” Gen Kainerugaba observed.
Furthermore, Gen Kainerugaba highlighted Gen Aronda’s accomplishments as Minister of Internal Affairs, where he championed the National Identification Project and revitalized the Department of Immigration.
General Aronda Nyakairima who passed away on 12 September 2015 served as the Army Commander/Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF from 2003-2013 and as Minister of Internal Affairs from 2013 to 2015.
Present at the function were: the Chief Justice, Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo; the Secretary of the National Resistance Movement, Hon. Richard Todwong; the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding; Retired Generals, Service Commanders, Generals, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and Defence Attachés and among others.
