Edward Muhima, the retired Bishop of North Kigezi in Rukungiri district has blasted a section of Ugandans who are celebrating Gen. Tumwine’s death. Gen. Elly Tumwine (68) died last week in Agha Khan hospital in Nairobi, Kenya after he succumbed to lung cancer according to the Commander in Chief President Yoweri Museveni.
Tumwine served as commander of the National Resistance Army from 1984 to 1987. He was one of the highest-ranking members of the Ugandan military who recently called on police to shoot at protesters. However, the hate for Tumwine from a section of Ugandans sprung from comments he made after the November 2020 shootings where over 50 Ugandans lost their lives.
Speaking to the press at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Gen. Tumwine said, “The police have a right to shoot you and kill you if you reach a certain level of violence.”
Gen. Tumwine added, “The arrest of one person cannot justify what has caused death, injuries, confusion and stopping people to enjoy their peace. The arrest of any citizen is part and parcel of society, arrests are normal.
Today, during a state funeral in honour of Tumwine, at Kololo Independence grounds, Bishop Muhima blasted those dancing at his grave to stop speaking rubbish.
“There are people writing a lot of rubbish about him, but before you agree to that, ask yourself did I know Gen. Elly Tumwine and what did I know about him,” Muhima emphasized during a sermon.
Muhima added that Tumwine was a rare soldier who loved God and his country, something he said is unique about soldiers.
A number of dignitaries gathered in celebration of his life including; President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi among others.
TUMWINE’S CHILDREN EULOGISE DAD:
The late Tumwine’s children described their father as an ever-available father.
Cynthia Tumwine, one of his daughters noted that their father was a God-Fearing man who had a deep love for God, a deep love for his country but most importantly, a deep love for his family.
“Growing up, we experienced so much from our father that, as a result, we have turned out to be loving people,” she said.
She added, “From every single milestone as children, there is none that I can think of and not see my father’s face. From when we were born to when we were baptised and confirmed.
“Birthdays are a very big deal in our family. If it meant that we had to stay up to 1:00 am waiting for daddy to return from his duties, we would stay up. Because what was a birthday worth celebrating without daddy present?”
She further revealed that their father was full of energy and when they cry, they are grieving the death of their father because they knew he was at peace as he left.
“It is more so that we will miss the energy that he was, the presence, smile, laughter and all the good memories.”
Cynthia contended, “Daddy was proud of Uganda. He loved its beauty, nature, fresh air, food and the blessings this country has to offer.
“One of the best things that I will always hold dear was the chance to work with daddy on his book, which was a collaboration with Prof. Gilbert, where he was able to document the NRM revolution.”
Sarah Tumwine, his other daughter also revealed that their father was one of a kind. Unapologetically himself, unique in expression, passion and values.
She also revealed that their father loved cows most especially collecting the beautiful long-horned cows. It was also greatly expressed in his artwork and sketches.
“Starting from his childhood upbringing, daddy loved cows, most especially collecting the beautiful long-horned cows. It was also greatly expressed in his artwork and sketches.”
Daudi Tumwine, a son to the fallen general emphasized that their father was a Child of God, a General of the NRA UPDF, the husband of one, and the father of many, both literally and figuratively.
“Daddy taught us that it is never too late to do the right thing. Use your intellect to help people on the ground,” he stated.
He added, “No one knows everything, and no one knows nothing. The biggest room in the world is room for improvement.
“Our last 14 days with him were a furnace where my mother, Brenda and others were tested to the core.
“To see your father look at you and tell you the words you fear most, not with his mouth but with his eyes and, in Daddy’s case, with one eye, is one of the hardest things I have experienced.”
TUMWINE’S WIFE EULOGISES HUSBAND
Jolly Tumwine, wife to deceased first thanked her children for taking care of their father and also the medical teams of Mulago and Nairobi.
“They went up and above in trying to save Elly’s life. He was a man of all seasons. He remained true to his values and the values of the revolution.”
She added, “For the 35 years we were together, I saw him grow in the walk with Christ and had committed to preaching the word of God later in his life.
“He looked after many children and took them all the way to university. We are grateful for his big heart.
“He always told us he was grateful to God for granting him all he wished for in his life. He was blessed, and we are happy to have lived with a blessed man.
“I want to thank God for the life of my amazing husband, Elly. We shared a fulfilling life with ups and downs, and God kept us on the course, and here we are at the end of our vows, till death do us apart.”
