The Mission Department of the North Ankore Diocese has praised the late former Security Minister, General Elly Tumwine, as a true Man of God in Uniform. Gen. Tumwine died of lung cancer on Thursday of last week. He was a member of Mukuru Sub Parish in Rwemikoma Archdeaconry and the Mission Department of the North Ankole Diocese.
The Venerable Rev. Benon Mbaraire, the Archdeacon of Rwemikoma Archdeaconry, says that Gen. Tumwine embraced salvation at Mukuru Sub Parish, where he converted and mentored many people. He explains that apart from knowing Gen. Tumwine from his military life, he was a good Christian, a leader, a mobilizer, and a missionary.
He noted that it is unfortunate that they have lost a pillar of this parish and in the greater North Ankole Diocese in general. He revealed that prior to his death, Gen. Tumwine had started on the project for the construction of new buildings for Mukuru Church of Uganda and had opened a construction account with Shillings 4 million and pledged 10 cows.
He said that Gen. Tumwine was born into a family of Christians and his parents were among the first Christians to start evangelism in 1947 in the greater Burunga sub-county. The Venerable Rev. Benon Mbaraire says that the late Tumwine was fond of saying that he had never seen a gun that could hit a sin apart from God.
Kutesa, the head of laity in Rwemikoma archdeaconry, said that he met Tumwine in 1960 in school at Burunga Primary School, and they remained friends. According to Kutesa, Gen. Tumwine was short-tempered from his childhood in school but quick to solve his grievances and problems with anybody, noting that he appreciated everybody and would pick up a phone call from anybody.
He explains that because of his love for the country, he would make it a point to preach patriotism at every function whenever he got an opportunity to speak and support all the people.
Because the late Gen. Tumwine was born and raised in the church, the Bishop decided to hold all church services at his home. He said that the late Tumwine had for many years been giving the diocese Shillings 12 million every year for the mission department to spread the Gospel.
Gen. Tumwine, who is 68 years old, has held many different jobs, such as Army Commander, Member of Parliament, Director General of the External Security Organisation, and Minister of Security.