The body of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kasirye Gwanga, a senior military officer of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has been laid to rest at his country home at Nkene Village, Busujju County, Mityana District.
At a scientific event attended by selected few mourners due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen. Gwanga after 48 years in military service was eulogized as a man of great courage, a patriot and a selfless servant of his country.
Gen. Gwanga (68) died on Tuesday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala following an illness. He succumbed to liver function failure.
Gen. Katumba Wamala, the chief mourner described Maj. Gen Gwanga as one who loved the military and a real soldier in all aspects. He said Kasirye’s life was inspirational especially his integrity and not being driven by material things.
Gen. Katumba said Gwanga will remembered for the lives he touched while he was still alive but also appealed to his children to uphold his (Gwanga’s) legacy.
The CDF, Gen. David Muhoozi hailed Gwanga’s selfless military service and described him as a nationalist who has always been loyal to his family, the leadership of Uganda.
Muhoozi said Gwanga had a straight-forward character, lived an impactful life, has left behind a legacy, and he will be greatly missed. He however challenged Gwanga’s children not to squander their father’s social capital and not take the network of friends he left behind for granted.
He also described Gen. Gwanga as a strong-willed activist for social justice who sometimes claimed justice in a “rough way” in his quest to mobilize wanainchi for Agriculture and environmental protection.
He said Gwanga was also “patriotic, unofficious, and unpretentious but very fair to all he interacted with.” He noted that Gwanga will also be remembered for his personal charm and style with a knack for fashion.
Gwanga’s friends and close associates represented by Hon. Waswa Birigwa and Noor Wamala Nyanzi eulogized Gwanga as a generous and honest man who made friends across the world. They however noted that he was a man who loved music.
Irene Nagitta, who spoke on behalf of children described Gwanga as a loving father who had unwavering commitment towards what he believed in.
She said Gwanga emphasized honesty, spoke his mind and always taught his children to be ready to defend what rightly belongs to him.
Irene said Gwanga genuinely loved his family, loved the military as an institution but also supported many children in the community.
Condolence messages from the OWC chief coordinator and former Army Commander Gen. Saleh hailed Gwanga as a hero who selflessly served his country.
Security minister Gen. Elly Tumwine described Maj. Gen. Kasirye Gwanga as a distinguished military officer who lived an exemplary life.
Community leaders too lauded Gwanga’s contribution to development of Mityana having mobilized people to work, attracting government intervention in community development programs and his legacy in local leadership when he served as the area governor.
Buganda King, Kabaka Mutebi II, in his message read out by Mengo state minister for local government, Owek Joseph Kawuki, applauded Gwanga as a freedom fighter, a human rights defender, an environmentalist with undisputed determination.
Kasirye Gwanga also received a 13 gun salute as a sign of honor from the military.