KAMPALA: The Commander of the Reserve Forces, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, has urged Gen Elly Tumwine’s son David Tumwiine to join national service.
Speaking at the burial of Gen Tumwine in Rwemikoma, Kazo District, on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, Lt Gen Otema, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, said David can do well to stand in the footsteps of his father.
“…when our son (late Jacob Olanyah) was struggling to be the Speaker of Parliament, you cannot believe that the people who were championing his campaigns among others were Gen Tumwine and Bright Rwamirama,” Gen Otema said.
He said Mr David Tumwine, the son of a late four-star-general, gave a compelling speech that many people should pick lessons from.
“These are our brothers I want to appeal that when the son of Gen Tumwine spoke here, I was so touched, I appeal to the people of Kazo to avail the son of the General to this country in whatever form you know, I am not a politician,” Gen Otema added.
Man of principles
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, eulogised the late Tumwine as a person who was trustworthy and a true friend who could not betray his people.
“Tumwine was a silent man, a good listener who would stick to his ideas whether right or wrong. He was not a friend who would speak behind your back,” he said.
Gen Otafiire lashed out at those who were abusing the late general on social media saying “in this world, there is nobody who does not do wrong. What wrong did Tumwine do by telling you the truth? Those who have been abusing him are showing their ignorance”.
He said those who had differences with the late Tumwine should not celebrate his death because he is no longer their enemy.
“If the person has died, do not make him your enemy because he is long gone. Those who argue with the dead need to go to the hospital and should know that he has filled his grave and theirs is remaining,” he said.
The Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, who was the chief mourner, said she was mentored by Gen Tumwine and has learnt how to work with others.
“As a person, he was a brave man, intelligent and hardworking. When I came to the 9th Parliament, he was there and all the time he was in Parliament before 2pm as the Speaker came in. He used to be there for guidance because some of us were [acting outside the rules],” she said.
Ms Jolly Tumwine, the wife of the deceased, said her husband made his sickness a secret and did not want to be known by anybody even when he was admitted to Mulago Hospital.
“He loved UPDF, it was in his blood and everything he did belonged to UPDF and this country. He loved this country, culture and God,” she said.
Ms Edna Tumwine said her father forgave anybody who wronged him and asked the public to forgive him as well.
“Our father was one for one, he set standards for others to follow. He fought for our country to be okay and when we were young, we did not understand, but now we can understand,” she said.
General Tumwine, who is survived by 13 children and one wife, was laid to rest at 4.30pm after a 17-gun salute.