President Museveni delivers a memorial lecture of late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.

11 September 2024, 11:55 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

As the Commander-in-chief of Uganda’s armed Forces, and a revolutionary leader, President Yoweri Museveni gave a historical lecture during the first Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024 held in Common Wealth Resort, Munyonyo, Wakiso District.
Mr Museveni started by giving the background of National resistance Army/Uganda People’s Defence Forces (NRA/UPDF). “You can talk of the late General Aronda Nyakairima’s role or that of other NRA/UPDF Personnel, without understanding the Africa of 1900 at the dawn of colonialism and what happened subsequently. While much of Africa had been ravaged by the slave trade for 400 years. Our part of Africa had not been so much affected by the slave trade, although there were some isolated incidents of snatching.” he said.

The President continues to say that General Aronda Nyakairima was outstanding on ideology, discipline but also managed skills, it took the lead according to Museveni in starting the Wazelendo Sacco. “We had talked about this but it had not been implemented. In conclusion, three points, all armies had historical missions. The head of the British Army in the Second World War, was a field Marshall going by the title of The Chief of the Imperial General Staff. His names were Alan Brooke.” Museveni emphasized.

In conclusion the president told the participants that the late General Aronda implemented the formula of Wazelendo which is of good help to the soldiers and others. He wondered why not all the soldiers do not stay in army barracks rather than rentals and trading centres. He tasked the responsible authorities to fill all the gaps for UPDF to be formidable. “Long live the memory of our fighters like General Aronda, may the Almighty God bless their descendants as reward for their patriotic service” Museveni said.

The first Kampala Defense and Security Expo 2024 is under the Theme: Celebrating the life of the late Hon. Gen Aronda Nyakairima; A paragon of Revolutionary Sacrifice, Pan-africanism, Patriotism Courage, and Accomplished Freedom Fighter” and will end on 12th, September,2024. Several people graced the historical event.

Aronda Nyakairima was a Ugandan military officer and politician who served in the cabinet of Uganda as minister of internal affairs from 2013 until his death on 11 September 2015. Previously, he served as the chief of defence forces in the in the (UPDF) from 2003 to 2013.