President Yoweri Museveni has on behalf of the NRM, the UPDF and the country, expressed condolences to the family of deceased former Security minister, Gen Elly Tumwine.
Museveni described Gen Tumwine as a resilient man with admirable courage and a spirit of sacrifice.
“He was injured badly during our liberation war, but he didn’t withdraw, he came back and continued fighting with us,” Museveni told mourners during a funeral service held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
He said that spirit of patriotism, and sacrifice should inspire young people everywhere.
“As far as our African tradition is concerned, we believe that life continues after you are deceased. Your eternity is seen through the works, actions & most importantly through your children.”
According to the president, Gen Tumwine has not died because he is abundantly still here through his children.
“God created Adam [us] on a Saturday and I think- his wife a few hours later. He created Adam in His image and gave him the mandate to establish dominion over nature. Whatever you do, should be done for the glory of God. In these wars of ours, you can really see the two sides in Genesis (establishing dominion over nature and love for your neighbor). When Gen Elly Tumwine fired the first shot of the NRA war on February 6, 1981, you could see the hand of God and the efforts of man,” he explained.
He added: “When you have children, you are eternal. Religion should find a way of accommodating perpetuation for instance through children and actions. I am already here. When I die, my children will be here. If God wanted us to be in heaven, why did He bring us here? He brought us to do something- at least to improve something. What you do on earth really matters.”
Dying at 68, Gen Tumwine was very young but had achieved a lot, Museveni noted, adding that he is very happy to hear that Tumwine died a satisfied man.
“God works in amazing ways. When Gen Elly Tumwine fired the first shot, we thought it was a mistake. People were angry at him saying he shouldn’t have fired. I want you non-believers to know it was God’s plan for Gen Tumwine to fire first (February 6, 1981). God used Tumwine to fire the first shot, which was by mistake,” Museveni told mourners as he narrates the successful attack on Kabamba Barracks.
“My advice is that you should always avoid evil. Believe in God, and God will reward you. Tumwine was a resilient man. He was injured badly but continued with us even up today. The young people should learn from that spirit of patriotism.”
Speaking during the prayers, the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, said UPDF is saddened by the loss of such a senior professional cadre whose input has contributed to the environment “we are enjoying now”.
“We have lost an accomplished General. He was our mentor, our model. We will live to remember him for what he has done. We realize that the centuries have given many men the opportunity to measure up to the standard of greatness, many men of worth in the place in the temple of fame, among others. The General was among those few,” he said.
