The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal Affairs will hold the 1st Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024 in memory of the late General Aronda Nyakairima.
The event will be celebrated 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.”
The 3-day function will commence on 10 -12 September at the Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel with a series of activities including a keynote address from His Excellency Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, an exhibition, memorial lectures by distinguished speakers, and thanksgiving prayers to crown the event.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, at a press conference today at the Uganda Media Centre emphasized the significance of the memorial event stating that it aims to inspire and remind the younger generation of the UPDF about the exemplary life of a committed officer who embodied dedication, patriotism, and exceptional leadership, making his life worthy of celebration.
He described the late Gen Aronda as an exemplary leader who epitomized a strong work ethic, living by the mantra of “hard work, dedication, and perseverance” in everything he did.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko added that Gen Muhoozi Kaineruga, the Chief of Defence Forces, expressed his enthusiasm for organizing a memorial lecture to pay tribute to the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima to establish a tradition of honouring military heroes similar to the practices of other esteemed institutions such as Parliament, the Judiciary, Civil Service, and religious organizations, thereby cementing a culture of recognition and respect for their contributions.
“The culture of honouring military heroes is important, especially inspiring the new generation by evoking the values of our heroes that should be emulated and institutionalized and become one way of keeping track of the military history.”
Maj Gen Henry Masiko highlighted the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima’s enduring legacy in transforming the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) through numerous significant contributions, including professionalizing the Forces, enhancing personnel welfare through initiatives like Wazalendo SACCO, pacifying Northern Uganda and Karamoja, and establishing and strengthening critical services and arms of the UPDF, among other achievements.
The press briefing was attended by the Director Defence Public Information Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, Executive Director of NIRA Mrs Rosemary Mary Kisembo, and representatives from Immigration.
