National Resistance Army (NRA) Commander, Col (Rtd) Ahmed Kashillingi, has been praised for his dedication and bravery as a soldier.
Col Kashillingi breathed his last on Thursday morning, November 3, 2022.
In his remembrance, the Minister for Security, (Rtd) Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, eulogized Kashillingi as a brave and dedicated soldier.
“I am saddened to announce the passing of comrade Lt Col (rtd) Ahmed Kashillingi. He was a brave and dedicated soldier. He served his country until now when he has gone be with his creator,” he tweeted on Thursday morning, adding, “May Allah rest the soul of my departed comrade in eternal peace.”
Fellow bush war hero, Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde, said Kashillingi’s contributions will always be remembered.
“I greatly mourn the passing of yet another gallant Commander of the Resistance, Col. Ahmed Kashillingi. His notable contributions to the struggle will always be remembered.
My heartfelt condolences to the family, the people of Rukungiri, UPDF & the nation.
RIP Comrade Commander!”
In the tributes, civilians also sent their heartfelt condolences to the family of Kashilingi.
The Deputy Principal Press Secretary to President Museveni, Faruk Kirunda,: “The death of Col. (Rtd) Ahmed Kashillingi has robbed us of another hero of Uganda’s Liberation story so soon after Gen. Tumwiine, but his contribution will remain indelible. R.I.P, Sir.”
Ivan Rugambwa: “RO/0040 Col(Rtd) Ahmed Kashillingi retires into the afterlife. One of the NRA’s finest combatants, he commanded the 5th battalion & captured the decisive Katonga bridge, paving way for RA’s march on Kampala. Condolences to you comrade @hkashillingi & family. May dad’s soul RIP.”
Patrick Oyolu: “Sadly, legendary NRA commander of the 5th battalion, Col. (Retired) Ahmed Kashillingi (RO 040) has passed on.Our thoughts and prayers to you @hkashillingi and to the Kashillingi family. May Afande rest in PEACE.”
Col. Kashillingi joined the army in the 1960s and was under the Marine Unit in Luzira before he joined the NRA in 1981.
He was trained as a commando from Iraq.
In the NRA bush war, he fought many fierce battles.
He defended President Yoweri Museveni in 1984 when the entire NRA was away to attack Masindi and UNLA forces attacked the camp where the rebel leader was.
With two platoons, he managed to put up a formidable resistance.
He also commanded the troops that captured Entebbe Airport.
He was a member of the NRA historical command.
Other members included; (President) Yoweri Museveni, Eriya Kategaya (deceased), Sam Magara, Elly Tumwine (deceased), Fred Rwigyema (deceased), Salim Saleh, David Tinyefuza, Matayo Kyaligonza and Tadeo Kanyankole.
Others were; Joram Mugume, Chefe Ali, Ivan Koreta, Pecos Kuteesa, Stephen Kashaka, Fred Mwesigye, Mzee Barihona (deceased), Jim Muhwezi, Julius Kihanda, Frank Guma, Peter Kerim, Stanley Muhangi (deceased), Kibirango Gyagenda, Fred Bamwesigye, Nasur Amin Izaruku, Dr Ronald Batta (deceased), Sserwanga-Lwanga (deceased), Dr Kizza-Besigye and Mugisha Muntu.
