The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in conjunction with the Ministry of Internal Affairs will hold the first Kampala Defence and Security Expo 2024 in memory of the late General Aronda Nyakairima.
The event will be celebrated under the theme; “Celebrating the life of Hon Gen Aronda Nyakairima; a paragon of Revolutionary sacrifice, Pan-Africanism, Patriotism, Courage, and an Accomplished Freedom fighter.”
The three-day event which will be headlined by a keynote address by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will commence on 10 September at Munyonyo Commonwealth Hotel. Apart from the exhibition, distinguished speakers will deliver memorial lectures and the expo will be crowned by thanksgiving prayers.
Maj Gen Henry Matsiko, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at a press briefing held at the Media Centre, emphasized the significance of the memorial event.
He explained that he aims at inspiring and reminding the younger generation of the UPDF about the exemplary life of a committed officer who embodied dedication, patriotism, and exceptional leadership, making his life worthy of celebration.
He described the late Gen Aronda as an exemplary leader who epitomized a strong work ethic, living by the mantra of “hard work, dedication, and perseverance” in everything he did.
“The culture of honouring military heroes is important, especially inspiring the new generation by evoking the values of our heroes that should be emulated and institutionalized and become one way of keeping track of the military history,” said Matsiko.
He commended the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima’s enduring legacy in transforming the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) through numerous significant contributions, including professionalizing the Forces, enhancing personnel welfare through initiatives like Wazalendo SACCO, pacifying Northern Uganda and Karamoja, and establishing and strengthening critical services and arms of the UPDF, among others.
The press briefing was attended by the Director for Defence Public Information Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, Executive Director of NIRA Mrs Rosemary Mary Kisembo, and representatives from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.