The late Gen Elly Tumwine was praised by President Yoweri Museveni for being a resilient man who stayed committed to serving the country despite all the obstacles he encountered.
President Yoweri Museveni has praised the late Gen Elly Tumwine saying he was a resilient man who despite all the hurdles and upsets he encountered, always remained committed to serving the country.
Museveni made the remarks on Monday while he joined legislators to mourn the fallen General. He the late was badly injured during the war that brought the ruling NRM government into power but he did not retreat.
“He was injured during our liberation war, but he didn’t withdraw, he came back and continued fighting with us. That spirit of patriotism, and sacrifice, should inspire our young people everywhere,” Museveni said.
He sent out his heartfelt condolences to the country, and to the family of Gen Elly Tumwiine saying that he (the late) will continue to live as long as his children still live.
“As far as our African tradition is concerned, we believe that life continues after you are deceased. Your eternity is seen through the works, actions & most importantly through your children. Gen Elly Tumwine has not died, he is ABUNDANTLY still here through his children,” Museveni added.
Meanwhile, Tumwine’s remains will be laid to rest today evening at his home in Rwebikona, Kazo District.
The former Security Minister was announced dead on Thursday last week at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi where he had been airlifted earlier on as he battled cancer-related complications.
Tumwine died at the age of 68.
In a statement eulogising him President Yoweri Museveni who joined a number of other Ugandans to mourn the General’s death said he succumbed to lung cancer which he had had for long.
“Countrymen and Countrywomen, especially the NRM- NRA- UPDF fraternity. With deep sorrow, I announce the death of General Elly Tumwiine which occurred at 5:46am this morning in Nairobi, from lung cancer,” Museveni tweeted.
Museveni who reminisced the moments they shared together with General Tumwine said he was his teacher during the 1960s.
“According to his widow, with whom I have just talked to on the telephone, Gen. Tumwiine was now 68 years old. I had taught him at Burunga Primary School in 1967, after our A-levels, as a student teacher, before going to university, later that year,” Museveni added.
