CDF Kainerugaba mourns Lt Col Ochung, praises his service to Uganda

The Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has described the late former Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in Serere district, Lt Col (Rtd) James Michael Ochung as an instrumental officer in restoring peace and security in the country.

In his condolence message to the family, delivered by Col Abel Ekellot, the regional coordinator OWC, during the burial on Wednesday (September 17), Gen. Muhoozi expressed his sympathy over the sudden death of Ochung.

“The UPDF is saddened by the loss of such a senior and professional cadre 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,” Gen Muhoozi said.

Portrait of the the Lt Col (Rtd) James Michael Ochung. (All Photos by Godfrey Ojore)

chung died in the early hours of September 11, 2025, while attending a retreat at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.

It is reported that he became unwell on Wednesday night and, as he was getting out of bed to go to a health facility within the training institute, he collapsed and died at the doorway.

Gen. Kainerugaba described him as a beloved officer who served the forces with dedication until his retirement in 2019, leaving behind a distinguished record.

“On behalf of officers and militants of UPDF and on my own behalf, please accept our heartfelt condolence at this moment of grief following the demise of our beloved senior officer, your son, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James Ochung,” Gen. Kainerugaba said in his eulogy.

Ochung joined the army on July 1, 1980, and served in various capacities, rising through the ranks until his retirement on September 12, 2019.

President Museveni later appointed him as the OWC coordinator for Serere district, a position he held until his death.

The deputy chief coordinator OWC, Brig. Gen. G.K. Muwanguzi, described Ochung as a disciplined officer with a sound character.

Col Abel Ekellot delivering the CDF's message.

“It is unbelievable that we have lost a very committed officer, and we unreservedly share this pain with the bereaved family. The late tirelessly worked with a lot of zeal for the prevailing peace which the country is enjoying today,” Gen. Muwanguzi said.

The former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen. (Rtd) Peter Elwelu, who once trained with Ochung in Jinja, told mourners that he was an amiable and kind soldier who loved God.

“Since the beginning of this year, Ochung is the second person for me to attend his burial because I got a voice from the angels saying that he is with God in heaven! If it was not so, I wouldn’t be here,” Gen. Elwelu said to cheers from the mourners.

The State Minister for Fisheries and Serere District Woman MP, Hellen Adoa, said the deceased was instrumental in encouraging youth to embrace farming.

Adoa noted that Ochung embraced everyone in the community and gave his time to people who sought him out to discuss development.

“He has been very pivotal in rallying the youth to work hard instead of smoking and drinking in the trading centres. We mourn the death of a leader, a father and a mentor,” Adoa said.

The Archdeacon of Serere Archdeaconry, Rev. Canon David Epongu, said Ochung was a great friend of the church.

“He closely supported the work and the development of his church, very committed and a devoted Christian. We shall miss a community builder, supporter and very sacrificial servant,” Canon Epongu said.

According to Ochung’s brother, David Obino, his elder brother spoke to him on the phone on Wednesday evening to ask whether it had rained at home.

“He called me at about 8 pm and asked me about home and whether it had rained. I told him it had not rained, though it was cloudy,” Obino said.

Prior to his travel to Kyankwanzi, the two had spoken in a family chat where Ochung informed him of the training they were required to attend.

“I wished him safe travel and the best in their training. On Wednesday evening, he told me they were out for a break and were to resume training that night, of which I wished him success,” Obino explained.

To his shock, he received a telephone call in the morning announcing the death of his brother, who had left home healthy and happy.

Though the family was waiting for the autopsy report at the time of burial, the army said it would deliver the report later.

“I was with him, and he did not show any signs of sickness until at night when I was called that he was unwell. Before we could take him to the hospital, he died, and I had to deliver his body to the mortuary,” Col. Ekellot said.

Who was Lt Col James Michael Ochung?

Lt. Col. Ochung, who died aged 66, hailed from Akuoro village, Olupe parish, Kyere subcounty in Serere district.

He was the fourth born in a family of eight. His parents, both deceased, were Sulaiman Oiko and Esther Norah Atekat.

He attended Angole and Kelim primary schools and later St John’s SS Lira for his O-Level education.

He joined the army on July 1, 1980, and served until September 11, 2019, when he retired.

He is survived by two wives and one child.