The Minister for Security, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi has revealed that government has started plans to repatriate the body of ex-security minister Gen Elly Tumwine.
Muhwezi made this revelation as lawmakers joined the rest of the country to mourn the late Gen Elly Tumwine.
The country woke up to the sad news of the death of the former representative of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Parliament on Thursday, 25 August 2022.
Muhwezi informed Members of Parliament that Tumwiine died at a hospital in Nairobi.
“Early this morning, between 5:00am and 6:00am, we lost Hon. Gen. Elly Tumwine in a Nairobi hospital where he has been for a couple of weeks for treatment,” said Muhwezi.
Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa who asked the House to observe a moment of silence said that 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.
“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.
In his eulogy, President Yoweri Museveni described Tumwine as a dedicated and hard-working cadre.
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.”
Former Presidential Candidate and Bush war hero, 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.”
State Minister for Agriculture Bright Rwamirama said Tumwine, 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.”