KAMPALA — Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulany has led opposition leaders in mourning former presidential candidate Gen Benon Biraaro who passed on Wednesday afternoon at Kampala Hospital.
He said Gen Biraaro spoke to him like a father would speak to a son and that he was positive about People Power movement.
“I am saddened beyond measure about the passing of this gallant son of Uganda. Being 61 at the time of his death, Gen. Biraaro was not my contemporary, but he was a friend,” the MP wrote.
Occasionally, “we met on the lake some years back. He was impressed that I was trying to work hard and encouraged me to work even harder. He despised corruption and the corrupt. He believed that true wealth should come from sweat and not cutting corners or making corrupt deals. He spoke about integrity in leadership and encouraged our generation to embrace honesty and diligence. Outstandingly, he did not only speak about integrity but lived it as well,” Kyagulanyi known by his stage Bobi Wine added.
The MP who is celebrating 38 years today said the news of General Biraaro demise found him away from the tumult of the city, in a quiet place reflecting on the past, the present, and the future of Uganda.
“Today being my birthday, I had hoped to use the day to reflect on many things; especially the future of this country which I love, and what more role I can play individually to ensure that our nation sees better days”.
Bobi Wine said that unlike many soldier who abuse the uniform and use positions to amass wealth, Gen. Biraaro was never cited in any corruption scandal- “he has died with his legacy intact”.
“When we started the People Power Movement, he spoke positively about our role in the struggle for democracy and encouraged all other forces of change not to be hostile to us, but rather to receive us with gladness so that we forge the way forward together.”
“His heart was steadfast, trusting in the Lord. He told us that if God decided to restore him to good health, he would receive it. But if God called him, he was ready to go. He told us that he had made peace with his Lord and saviour and was ready to meet Him in eternal glory. He spoke of how he believed that he had served his purpose on earth and had no regrets. As you can imagine, we went in to see him downcast but returned inspired by this great man whose faith in God was unshaken even in great sickness. Yet again, he spoke to me like a father would speak to a son. He encouraged me, admonished me and advised me.”
“I wish to send deep condolences to his family, relatives and friends. I also extend condolences to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces fraternity for losing a soldier of integrity, a man worth emulating by the younger generation of women and men in uniform.”
“Fare thee well General. May your good works go before you. Till we meet again.”
