The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces have mourned its distinguished son, RO/00393 Colonel Richard Ssemboga Kiwanuka for his exemplary services to the nation.
In the message of condolence read on his behalf by the Chief of Production and Welfare, Maj Gen Sam Kiwanuka, the Chief of Defence Forces General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi eulogized the late Col. Kiwanuka as a hero who served his country for 42 years of distinguished service.
“We are saddened by the death of our officer with wide experience spanning 42 years,” read the CDF’s message in part.
On his part as a chief mourner, Maj Gen Sam Kiwanuka told the congregation that the big number of mourners that turned up to pay their last respect to Col Richard Kiwanuka was testimony to the realization and achievement of the deceased as an individual and people’s appreciation and acknowledgment of his contribution to the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.
“Soldiers were not buried like this before, they would either die in exile, rot off in prisons or die in the bushes as insurgents fighting a sitting government. All this changed in 1986 after the sacrifice of the Kiwanukas and their likes in NRA. This is part of the fundamental change,” said Maj Gen Kiwanuka.
Col Richard Kiwanuka, together with his brother Col James Kasule and their sister Damalie Nakibirige all children of Namawejje Rosemary joined the liberation struggle in its infancy. Damalie passed on earlier leaving the two brothers in service. Richard was the first to join this inspiring his two siblings.
He was laid to rest yesterday at his ancestral home in Kufu, Nakaseke District.
The funeral was attended by Maj Gen lucky Kidega, Brig Gen Eugene Ssebuggwawo, Brig Gen Akiiki Rugadya, Brig Gen John Byuma, Brig Gen Nsubuga Wasswa, Brig Gen Godfrey Sambwa, Brig Gen Mwanje Ssekiranda and other senior army officers.