Members of the armed forces both retired and in service, have eulogized the departed Gen Elly Tumwiine, who breathed his last in AghaKhan hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, described Tumwine as a dedicated and hard-working cadre.
Former Army Commander and comrade in the struggle, Maj Gen (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu said, “To the wife & children of the late Gen Tumwiine & the UPDF fraternity I express my heartfelt condolences. We transit through life on earth full of complexities from birth till we exit. It is only by God’s Grace that we can navigate it successfully. MAGRIP.”
Fellow Comrade, Gen Henry Tumukunde, noted that he was saddened by the death of Tumwine, saying, he will be remembered for his resolve and commitment to the struggle.
"Every one of us especially those who fought alongside Gen Elly Tumwine remember his resolve and deep commitment to the struggle. May his soul rest in peace" – Gen Henry Tumukunde. #RIPGenTumwine pic.twitter.com/aOU5QHLZQ7
— SoftPower News (@SoftPowerNews) August 25, 2022
“I’m saddened to hear of the passing of our senior general and former minister @GenTumwine. My deepest sympathies go to you Jolly, the children and the UPDF family. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult and trying time. Every one of us especially those who fought alongside him in Luwero remember his resolve and deep commitment to the struggle, May his soul Rest In Peace,” Tumukunde tweeted.
GEN ELLY IS GONE HOME! You Danced With Death All Your Adult Life Because It's The Way Of The Soldier! And you acted the way you did bse 'when one knows Death so well,one has more Responsibility for Life'.To Jolly&Chidren,May the LORD Comfort You!To NRA/UPDF,a HERO has gone home! pic.twitter.com/j0SHAGaEFs
— D Sejusa, DM. (@sejudav) August 25, 2022
Former Army commander and Minister of Transport, General Edward Katumba Wamala, said, “I have received the sad news of the passing of RO/00023 Gen. Elly Tumwine. I send my sincere condolences to H.E @KagutaMuseveni, the family of Gen. Tumwine, the UPDF/NRA fraternity and all those whose lives he touched. RIP soldier!,” he said.
I have received the sad news of the passing of RO/00023 Gen. Elly Tumwine.
I send my sincere condolences to H.E @KagutaMuseveni, the family of Gen. Tumwine, the UPDF/NRA fraternity and all those whose lives he touched.
RIP soldier! pic.twitter.com/aieAy7GTSZ
— General Edward Katumba Wamala (@GenWamala) August 25, 2022
UPDF Land Forces Commander, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba said, “Rest in Peace General Tumwine. Immortality means ‘He is without a father, without a mother, without a genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life…he remains a priest forever (Hebrews 7:3)’. May Almighty God receive you into His everlasting arms Afande Tumwine.”
State Minister for Agriculture, Bright Rwamirama said Tumwiine, spoke so highly and fondly of his Country Uganda, “Knowing he was serving Uganda as a military officer and General brought him to endless joy, and his kindness will not be forgotten.…He has been a top level performer in his line of duty. His achievements were well-earned. RIP Gen. E.T a freedom fighter.”
Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama, noted that they considered Gen Tumwiine as a hero, senior cadre, teacher and a beacon for the revolutionaries.
“It is with great sorrow that I have learnt of the death of @GenTumwine, my senior, my mentor for the last 41 years. We looked up to him as a hero, senior cadre, teacher and a beacon for the revolutionaries. The only way we can honor him is to attempt to emulate his good deeds,”
Adding, “On behalf of the group of soldiers he mentored, I wish to offer my condolences to his family. It is my prayer that God will give his soul eternal rest in peace and grant his family strength during this difficult time.”
Also read: https://softpower.ug/sad-news-nra-liberation-commander-gen-elly-tumwine-is-dead/
The Minister for Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze, noted, “My sincere Condolences to the family of Hon @GenTumwine , to the @updf_ & to @Parliament_Ug where he served for quite a long time. I pray that the almighty God gives his wife & children comfort in this most trying time of grief. May u rest well great Patriot.”
During Thursday plenary, the Minister for Security, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, revealed that government has started plans to repatriate the body General Tumwine.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa asked the House to observe a moment of silence in honor of Tumwiine. He said that the late, left an indelible mark on the stability of the country.
“We have lost a gallant man, a person who has been a colleague, interacting with us here and a historical who ushered in the revolution, together with our President. It is very sad for us because whenever we lose one of us in this House, a dark cloud hovers over the whole institution,” said Tayebwa.
He added that Parliament will liaise with government to pay tribute to Gen Tumwine.
https://twitter.com/parliament_ug/status/1562762136442793984?s=21&t=hgtrvdToUGpDcs1aPEV1Ew
“At an appropriate time, we shall be guided. But I urge the Leader of Government to liaise with the Leader of the Opposition so that a motion is prepared to pay glowing tribute to our departed colleague,” Tayebwa said.
Gen Tumwine served as UPDF representative in Parliament from 1996 to 2021. He also served as a Minister for security from 2018 to 2021.
At the time of his death, Gen Tumwine was a senior presidential advisor.
He joined the resistance in 1979, trained as Officer Cadet at Monduli, was the one who fired the first shot at Kabamba on the 6th of February 1981 and has been part of the leadership in various capacities ever since.
He was injured at Bukomero and lost one eye. He has always been a dedicated and hard working cadre, UPDF said.