UPDF to Honour Late Gen. Aronda’s Legacy in First Kampala Defence and Security Expo

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.

This is to honour 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 Joint Staff political commissor Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, 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,” Matsiko 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 the Director Public information (UPDF) said Gen 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 Matsiko, 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.

Gen. Aronda Nyakairima was born on 7th July 1959 to the family of the late Jeremiah and Gladys Nyakairima in Rukungiri district.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Makerere University before joining the protracted people’s struggle in 1982.

In 1986, Aronda was commissioned as a Junior Officer (J02) and steadily rose through the ranks, till he became a full General by the time of his death.

The late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima also served as Minister of Internal Affairs and as the UPDF representative in Parliament from May 2013 to 2015.

Furthermore, he held the title of Chief of Defence Forces from 2003 to 2013, a position he carried until his passing.