Museveni hails Gen Muhoozi, Defence Ministry for honouring Gen Aronda

He also commended Gen Aronda’s efforts in strengthening civil-military relations, comparing the army to fish and the population to water, noting, “You cannot have fish without water.” Museveni opened his remarks with a Runyankore proverb, “A fire that has a keeper will burn brightly forever,” reflecting on the enduring legacy of Uganda’s military leaders.

During the service, Gen Aronda’s widow, Linda Aronda, expressed her gratitude to Gen Kainerugaba for leading the memorial committee. Bishop Patrick Tugume also acknowledged Kainerugaba’s leadership, praying for continued success for him and the UPDF.

Earlier, both Museveni and Kainerugaba reflected on Gen Aronda’s pivotal role in professionalising the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), with Museveni praising his discipline, ideology, and management skills.

Gen Kainerugaba also delivered a lecture on the second day of the memorial, emphasizing the importance of a multipolar world for Africa’s future. He explained that Africa’s historical struggles, such as colonisation, arose when global power was concentrated in the West. He hailed the rise of BRICS and the global south’s solidarity as key for Africa’s empowerment.

The three-day events were attended by top military figures, government officials, and foreign dignitaries.