Residents and leaders of Mukono District have organised a special thanksgiving and appreciation ceremony in honour of Hon. General Edward Katumba Wamala for his 47 years of dedicated service to Uganda, particularly in the military and public service.
The ceremony began with a thanksgiving prayer led by Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu, the retired Bishop of Central Buganda, who represented the Bishop of Mukono Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Enos Kitto Kagodo. He was assisted by the Kasawo Archdeacon, Ven. Moses Munaku Kaama, other clergy and religious leaders from different denominations. The event was also attended by senior government, military and police officials, representatives of the Buganda Kingdom, district leaders and other invited guests.
In his remarks, Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome commended General Katumba Wamala for being an exemplary Ugandan, particularly for his humility, discipline, commitment to duty and love for the country. He also appreciated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for giving General Katumba opportunities to serve Uganda in various capacities. Hon. Lukooya said Mukono District was proud of General Katumba's contribution to the country and his service to the people of Mukono.
Mukono Resident District Commissioner, Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba Nabitaka, thanked God for General Katumba's parents and the people who contributed to his upbringing and preparation for public service. She observed that a child is raised by many people, and that those who nurtured General Katumba may not have known that they were preparing someone who would eventually make a significant contribution to the country. She praised him for respecting and listening to people regardless of their status.
Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu congratulated General Katumba on completing his military service and appreciated him for organising a thanksgiving while still alive. He encouraged Government to support capable Ugandans who come up with useful development initiatives, noting that citizens can also contribute resources towards national development.
Bishop Matovu also raised concerns about public sanitation facilities, particularly the use of inappropriate structures by people travelling along highways and called upon relevant authorities to address the challenge to protect public health and dignity.
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in charge of Fisheries, Hon. Robert Migadde Ndugwa, who is also Member of Parliament for Buvuma and Chairperson of the Buganda Caucus, praised General Katumba for the dedication and talent he demonstrated throughout his service. He encouraged Ugandans to learn from General Katumba's character and service and called upon parents to deliberately nurture and prepare their children to become responsible future leaders who can contribute to Uganda's development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. General Edward Katumba Wamala expressed appreciation to the people of Mukono for organising thanksgiving in his honour while he is still alive. He said that he had heard many of the good things people would normally say about a person after death but was grateful to hear them while still alive from people who know him and understand his character, conduct and contribution.
General Katumba reflected on his journey in the military, explaining that he was trained under the UNLF and studied in Masaka. He recalled that although hundreds of people began the training, only a smaller number completed the journey, eventually enabling him to rise through the ranks to become a General. He attributed his journey to God's guidance and thanked Him for taking him through the different stages of his life and service.
He also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for trusting him and giving him opportunities to serve the country in different positions and operations. General Katumba said he was particularly happy to see other officers whom he had supported and mentored during his career progressing through the ranks and attaining senior military positions.
General Katumba further encouraged Ugandans to help and support one another, noting that the person one helps today may become an important person in the future. He urged people not to look down on others simply because they do not know where they are going, emphasizing the importance of treating everyone with respect and supporting one another.
At the end of the ceremony, former NRM Chairperson and Chairman of the organising committee, Hajji Twahiri Ssebaggala, together with Mukono District Local Government, led by District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome, the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Henry Ddamba, and District Production Officer, Dr. Fred Mukulu, presented a gift to General Katumba Wamala in appreciation of his distinguished service to Uganda.
The thanksgiving ceremony in honour of General Edward Katumba Wamala provided an opportunity for the people of Mukono to recognise and celebrate 47 years of dedicated service to Uganda. The messages from religious leaders, district leaders, Government representatives and General Katumba himself highlighted the importance of humility, discipline, patriotism, commitment to duty, respect for others, mentorship and service to the nation.
The occasion also served as a reminder that good leadership is not only measured by the positions one holds, but by the positive impact left on people and the nation. General Katumba's journey demonstrates the value of dedication, perseverance and preparing others to take on leadership responsibilities for the continued development of Uganda.
Mukono District was established by J.H Merthon in 1810 for the public benefit. Afterwards, it is recognized globally
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