Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has commiserated with the family of renowned composer of 1980s liberation struggle songs, WOI (Warrant Officer Class One) Rtd Stephen Sempala alias Sgt Kifulugunyu.
Kifulugunyu passed on Tuesday.
A statement released on Wednesday by the UPDF spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire said; “UPDF has learnt with shock of the death of veteran RA/049819rm WOI (Rtd) Stephen Sempala who passed away on Tuesday 14th November 2017.”
Sgt Kifulugunyu officially joined the army on 26 jan 1986 but had joined the liberation struggle much earlier after escaping from prison. He was born in Kakiri, Busiro North although he lived in Kawempe Mbogo.
“He remains specifically remembered for boosting the morale of the fighters through his patriotic music. UPDF and the entire country had continued to enjoy his patriotic songs to motivate soldiers and the general public,” the statement read.
Earlier this year, President Yoweri Museveni in appreciation for Sgt Kifulugunyu’s services awarded him the Luwero Triangle medal during the Liberation Day celebrations.
“His memories will live with us forever especially through his music. May God strengthen his family as they come to terms with this loss,” Brig Kalemire said.