The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Thursday honoured Ernest Kakwano at St John’s Church Entebbe, a man who has been referred to by many as an unsung hero.
Kakwano, who also served as Managing Director of Coffee Marketing Board, passed away on Easter Sunday at the age of 80 after an operation at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
Gen Kainerugaba reflected on his personal history with the Kakwano family, recounting the pivotal role they played in his escape to exile in Kenya back in 1981.
He shared a story of the day he and his sister Natasha were driven by Ms Alice Kakwano, now the widow of Ernest Kakwano, to the border of Kenya and Uganda, instead of their usual route to school in Kabale. Despite his initial confusion, Ms Kakwano assured them they were heading to a new school.
“It used to be soldiers to take us to school – Toko and Agaba. I was expecting them to be the ones to take us to school. We came downstairs and found Mrs Alice Kakwano. We were confused.”
Approaching the Kenya-Uganda border, Ms Kakwano instructed Gen Muhoozi and Natasha to identify themselves as her children if asked, a gesture that would secure their safe passage and ultimately, freedom.
“When we got close to the border, Alice stopped the car and said, ‘Now we are going to an office, if they ask you who you are, say, ‘you are my children.’”
Gen Kainerugaba expressed his family’s profound gratitude and eternal indebtedness to the Kakwano family for their unwavering support and bravery.
The funeral service was attended by former NRA operatives, including Mathew Rukikaire, John Nasasira, Sam Kutesa, and Matia Kasaija, who praised Kakwano for his significant contributions to the success of the liberation.
Mr Rukikaire specifically commended Kakwano for his covert operations on behalf of President Museveni during the NRA’s struggle for liberation.
Survived by the widow, Alice, and children, Kakwano, who was 80 years old, will be laid to rest tomorrow in Rubaya, Kashari.