Buwere Village, Manafwa — An atmosphere of joy and emotion filled the home of Mr Godwin Aaron Tasike in Buwere Village, Buwanyera Ward, Butiru Town Council, Manafwa District, as his family received compensation from the government for damage caused to their home by a presidential helicopter in December 2024.
Surrounded by relatives and local leaders, Mr. Tasike was overcome with gratitude. “I am very happy that my call has been answered. I didn’t know how my house would be repaired — God is great,” he said emotionally, as his wife, Catherine Tasike, knelt with the compensation funds clutched to her chest in a gesture of thanksgiving.
Mr Tasike, a 45-year-old machine operator with the Manafwa District Local Government and a farmer, expressed deep appreciation to the Special Forces Command (SFC) for coming to his family’s aid.
The family received Shs29,184,000 to cover the renovation of their home, which was damaged on December 17, 2024, by rotor wash from the presidential helicopter during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Parish Development Model (PDM) zonal tour at Butiru Demonstration Primary School playground.
Part of the compensation is earmarked to cover temporary accommodation for the family during the renovation process.
A Symbol of Army-Civilian Partnership
The funds were officially handed over by Maj Newton Isaac Namazima, who represented the Chief of Staff of SFC, Brig Gen Paul Namawa. Maj Namazima emphasised that the compensation demonstrated SFC’s commitment to fostering strong, respectful relationships between the armed forces and the civilian population.
“This is a significant moment that reaffirms the UPDF’s identity as a people’s force. It reflects our dedication to promoting peace and harmony with civilians,” Maj Namazima noted. He commended Mr Tasike for his patience, which enabled a thorough assessment and transparent estimation of the damage.
Maj Namazima also extended appreciation to President Museveni for his consistent leadership in professionalising the UPDF and to Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for his guidance in nurturing a pro-people security force.
“This compensation is a direct result of the professionalism embedded in the UPDF through the vision of the Commander-in-Chief. We thank the SFC leadership, particularly the Commander and Chief of Staff, for following through with this process, and Ms. Jane Barekye, State House Comptroller, for facilitating it,” he added.
Apologising to the Tasike family for the unfortunate incident, Maj Namazima reaffirmed SFC’s commitment to maintaining a relationship with the public rooted in loyalty, courage, and integrity.
Local Leaders Respond
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Manafwa, Ms. Patience Webule, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the SFC. “Your presence and action here today bring us great relief. This compensation brings closure to an incident that deeply affected the Tasike family,” she said.
Mr Magumba Kefas, the LC1 Chairperson of Buwere Village, also extended his gratitude to SFC and pledged continued community support. “The people of Butiru and Manafwa District appreciate this gesture. We shall remember it,” he stated, alluding to the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The event was also graced by SFC Spokesperson Maj Jimmy Omara and Manafwa District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Mr Gwasaze Martin Andrew, among other local leaders and community members.
