MUKONO: Residents and leaders across Mukono District gathered in Kikandwa, Kasawo Town Council, on Saturday for a high-profile thanksgiving and appreciation ceremony in honor of Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, celebrating his remarkable 47 years of dedicated service in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the broader public sector.
The colorful event commenced with a solemn thanksgiving prayer led by Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu of Central Buganda Diocese, representing the Bishop of Mukono Diocese, Rt. Rev. Enos Kitto Kagodo. The service was co-officiated by Kasawo Archdeacon Ven. Moses Munaku Kaama alongside interdenominational clergy. It attracted a distinguished audience, including senior government functionaries, high-ranking military and police officers, representatives from the Buganda Kingdom, and local community leaders.
Mukono District Chairperson Hon. Francis Lukooya Mukoome commended Gen. Katumba as an exemplary patriot whose career has been defined by humility, unwavering discipline, and selflessness. Lukooya expressed deep appreciation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for trusting Katumba with crucial leadership responsibilities over the decades, noting that Mukono District takes immense pride in his outstanding national contribution.
In his sermon, Bishop Emeritus Jackson Matovu congratulated the decorated four-star general on successfully completing his military career and applauded him for hosting a thanksgiving ceremony while still alive. Matovu urged the government to support grassroot developmental initiatives championed by proactive citizens. Furthermore, the prelate highlighted pressing public health concerns, specifically appealing to transport and municipal authorities to improve public sanitation infrastructure along national highways to safeguard health and preserve human dignity.
Speaking on behalf of regional leaders, the Minister of State for Fisheries, MP for Buvuma, and Chairperson of the Buganda Caucus, Hon. Robert Migadde Ndugwa, praised Gen. Katumba’s exceptional commitment and talent throughout his public life. Migadde challenged Ugandans to actively emulate Katumba’s work ethic and integrity. He urged parents and community mentors to deliberately guide, nurture, and prepare the younger generation to become responsible future leaders who can steer Uganda’s ongoing socio-economic transformation.
In an emotional address, Gen. Katumba Wamala expressed profound gratitude to the people of Mukono for organizing such a momentous gesture during his lifetime.
“I have heard many of the wonderful things people normally say about a person after their passing, but I am deeply grateful to hear them while still alive from people who genuinely know my character, conduct, and contribution to this nation,” Katumba remarked.
Reflecting on his military journey, Gen. Katumba recalled starting his training under the UNLF in Masaka, noting that while hundreds commenced the rigorous journey, only a resilient few completed it to become officers. He attributed his historic rise through the UPDF ranks to divine providence and expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Museveni for providing him opportunities to command key operations. He expressed immense joy in seeing younger officers he mentored progress to senior positions.
Gen. Katumba concluded with a call for national solidarity, advising Ugandans to uplift one another regardless of social status, emphasizing that today’s humble individuals often become tomorrow’s key leaders.
To cap the celebrations, Organising Committee Chairman Hajji Twahiri Ssebaggala, alongside Mukono District leadership led by Hon. Lukooya, Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Henry Ddamba, and District Production Officer Dr. Fred Mukulu, presented Gen. Katumba Wamala with a commemorative award recognizing his distinguished national service.
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