‘An officer and gentleman’ is a phraseology normally used to extol a member of the armed forces who excels in his work. And to many, Gen. Robert Aronda Nyakairima, multi linguist and teetotaler, was one such officer.
Gen. Aronda died in Dubai on September 11, 2015 while returning from official duty from South Korea.
Gen. Aronda was born on July 7 1959 in Rukungiri district and was married to Linda Kahoza, a daughter of Mr James Kahoza, a former Auditor General of Uganda. In 1989 Gen. Aronda was also a Bestman for Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
For friends and relatives 1982 marked a turning point in Gen. Aronda’s life when he joined the then guerilla outfit, the National Resistance Army at the tender age of 22, after completing a degree in Political Science at Makerere University in 1981.
In the NRA Aronda rose through the ranks and at the capture of Kampala he was an Intelligence Officer at the rank of Junior Officer One (JOI (attached to the Central Police Station in Kampala.
Subsequently he attended several military courses both at home and abroad including at the Egyptian Military Academy in Cairo and at the prestigious Fort Leavenworth in Kansas, USA and, in October 2010 he was inducted in the Hall of Fame of the Lewis and Clarke Centre of the Academy, joining Generals Richard Rhyes of New Zealand and Eui Don Wang of South Korea, both of who had attained the highest position in the militaries of their respective countries.
Earlier, Gen. Aronda had served in the then Presidential Protection Unit as an Intelligence Officer, before rising to become its Commanding Officer at the rank of Major.
He was then transferred to the Masaka Armoured Brigade as Commanding Officer, and later appointed Division 4 Commander in Gulu, to head Operation Iron Fist.
In 1996 he was appointed one of the 10 army representatives in Parliament and in 2003 he was appointed the Commander of the UPDF, serving in that position for 10 years, after which he was named the Minister of Internal Affairs in May 2013.
The late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima has been mourned by several dignitaries including Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, fellow military officers, diplomats and Members of Parliament, who have taken to social medial to express their grief.
Outgoing US Ambassador to Uganda Scott H. DeLisi
“I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of the sudden passing of Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. Aronda Nyakairima. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends. Gen. Aronda was one of the first senior leaders I met in Uganda over three years ago. He cared deeply for his nation and its future. We shared many cups of tea and meals together as we discussed ideas and issues in a spirit of true partnership and cooperation. Even when we had different perspectives, the friendship and values we shared allowed us to move forward constructively. He will be missed as a leader, and as a friend.”
Kampala Woman MP Nabilah Naggayi Sempala
“Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Minister for internal Affairs, Rest in Peace! A real gentleman if there was one! Humble, no airs, no pomp and one who felt that politics was dirty! He served well, at least in Parliament where I have served with him! He always had thoughtful responses to questions from MPs on his Ministry! Fare thee well!”
Brig. Muhoozi Kainerugaba: “I am extremely saddened at the untimely passing of our long time commander and leader, General Aronda Nyakairima. RIP.” (Via Twitter)
Presidential Media Assistant Don Wanyama: Rest in peace good General. I met you a couple of times, once for about two hours for a private chat, and your humility, affability and warmth were unmistakable. Rest in peace Gen Aronda Nyakairima.
Sarah Kagingo: General Aronda has run his race; meticulously served his country, the East African Community and Africa at large. To God we will all return. May this comfort his beloved family and countrymen. Rest in peace, General.
Matthew Bagonza: Whatever Gen. Aronda tried to do in life, he tried with all his heart to do well; that whatever he devoted himself to, He devoted himself to completely; that in great aims and in small, He has always been thoroughly in earnest.
Uganda’s Ambassador to Rwanda Richard Kabonero: Tremendous loss of a patriot and freedom fighter
East African Secretary General Richard Sezibera: So saddened to learn of the death of my Comrade Gen. Aronda Nyakairima. The soldiers in the trenches of African integration salute you. RIP!
Hilary Onek-My young Brother and colleague in cabinet Gen. Aronda Nyakairima why did you have to leave us this early? I can’t think straight right now and am still failing to come in terms with the fact the the Good Lord has put you to sleep. You have done your country proud and your good deeds for this country will never be forgotten. Sleep well my friend.
