Former aide for President Museveni and one of the pioneer female combatants of the National Resistance Army (NRA), Capt (Rtd) Oliver Zizinga is dead.
Lt Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso confirmed Zizinga’s death which happened on Saturday around 10AM, at Medipal Hospital Kololo where she has been receiving treatment.
According to Gen Nalweyiso, Zizinga developed a high fever and rushed to Nakasero Hospital where she was dragonized with COVID-19. Hospital authorities recommended that she should isolate from home but her health deteriorated prompting admission to Victorious Medical Center and later to Medipal Hospital.
Zizinga died at the age of 84 but was physically strong for her age according to Nalweyiso. Nalweyiso described Zizinga as a courageous fighter and a patriot who sacrificed her life for her country. By press time, details of the burial arrangements had not been communicated.
Both NRM historicals, Oliver Zizinga and Mrs Gertrude Njuba, were Museveni’s aides during the early days of the 1981-85 guerilla war that brought the NRM government into power. She and Gertrude Njuba were in charge of Museveni’s welfare (including dining) and never participated in any battle.
Three of her children were killed in 1980 by UNLA soldiers an incident made her vow to support anyone who would fight them. Zizinga joined the NRA as a mobiliser doing clandestine work.
By late 1981, she was one of the three women on the National Resistance Council (NRC). She later relinquished the seat when academic qualifications were introduced as perquisite to joining parliament.
Zizinga survived the firing squad thrice. The first time was when a leaf of mujaaja (basil) appeared in Museveni’s cup.
In Tommorows edition, we bring you the interview with Lt. Gen Nalweyiso on how Oliver Zizinga and Getrude Njuba survived firing squad on claims they wanted to kill Museveni