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TRIBUTE

The Deputy Commander of Air Force, Brigadier Stephen Kiggundu, who died on March 31st has been described as an excellent, well-behaved pilot dedicated to his service. 

He joined the forces on July 27, 1999, and later was commissioned to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

After serving in various capacities, Kiggundu was promoted to the rank of Brig Gen on 29 May 2002.

According to a preliminary report from the army, Kiggundu was electrocuted to death while in the shower at this residence in Entebbe town on March 31,

On Thursday, April 4th, he was buried at his ancestral home in Kijambura cell, Nyangahya division, Kikwanana ward in Masindi District.

According to a preliminary report from the army, Kiggundu was electrocuted to death while in the shower at this residence in Entebbe town on March 31.

The Late Brig. Gen. Stephen Kiggundu was accorded the 11-gun salute at the military burial where mourners included: Generals, Senior Officers of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, representatives from the Ministry of Defence And Veteran Affairs, clergy, and politicians.

The Chief of Defence Forces(CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba hailed Brig  Kiggundu for his Professional and Passionate Service to Uganda.

In a speech  delivered by Major General Leopold Kyanda, the CDF  described him as a professional officer who served his country with passion and played an instrumental role in restoring and maintaining peace and security in Uganda.

“The UPDF is saddened by the loss of such a senior and professional officer whose input was still much needed. We, therefore, join the family, relatives and friends at this most difficult time to mourn the fallen comrade whom we shall always remember,” reads the CDF condolence message.

The deceased's children lay a wreath on his casket.

The Chief of Staff-Air Force, Brig Gen David Gonyi, on behalf of the Commander of Air Force, said that the army, just like the family of Brig Gen Kiggundu, will not forget this tragic loss, and his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of the people he touched.

The Masindi district Woman MP, Hon. Dr Asiimwe Florence, commiserated with the family and described him as a hardworking person who lived a patriotic life.

Kiggundu's life and career

The UPDF records show that Brigadier General Stephen Kiggundu was born on 3 April 1977 at Bugonga in Entebbe. 

He joined the UPDF on 27 July 1999 at Hoima. 

UPDF officers salute their fallen colleague.

He went on to train as a paratrooper in Israel.  

He received skills in Pilot Air Force management and Operations, Pilot Combat Trainer and Junior Command Tactics.

Kiggundu also attended the conversion pilots course at Air Command Staff College in the United States. 

He previously served as Squad commander of Uganda’s fighter jets.