Museveni hails Sula Serunjogi, father to MP Sarah Najjuma, as liberation hero
Retired Major 13619 Serunjogi, a former bush fighter, former resident district commissioner (RDC) and veterans’ leader, died abruptly from what doctors described as a pulmonary embolism at his home in Semuto, Nakaseke district, on April 11, 2026.
. Muslim clerics praying for the deceases Serunjogi. (Credit: Frederick Kiwanuka)
NAKASEKE - President Yoweri Museveni has eulogised Sulaiman Serunjogi, the father of Nakaseke Woman MP Sarah Najjuma, as a patriot who selflessly contributed to the NRA liberation war that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to power in 1986.
Retired Major 13619 Serunjogi, a former bush fighter, former resident district commissioner (RDC) and veterans’ leader, died abruptly from what doctors described as a pulmonary embolism at his home in Semuto, Nakaseke district, on April 11, 2026.
Serunjogi was laid to rest on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home in Mijinje near Semuto town in Nakaseke district, at a burial function funded by State House.
In a message relayed by public service minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa, Museveni hailed the late Serunjogi for serving his country with commitment and devotion.
Museveni recalled that Serunjogi joined the liberation struggle in its early days in 1981, playing an important role as a fighter and bush leader.
Presidential advisor on political/NRM civilian veterans affairs, Jacob Asiimwe, said the late Serunjogi played a significant role in securing food, sewing uniforms and making contacts for the then NRA bush fighters.
Asiimwe rebuked those who belittle Serunjogi's contribution to the liberation struggle. "Some Ugandans are prophets of doom," Asiimwe said.
State minister for Luweero Alice Kaboyo described Serunjogi as a hero.
"We have lost a hero," Kaboyo said, urging the orphans to emulate the good values that Serunjogi stood for.
A sobbing Sarah Najjuma described her father as a loving, forgiving, unifying and generous parent who, despite being a Muslim, helped to construct Anglican and Catholic churches.
Najjuma said the news of her father's death reached her as she was preparing to travel abroad, forcing her to cancel the trip. She added that her father had not been complaining of any ailment and his sudden death was a great shock.
A sobbing Sarah Najjuma described her father as a loving, forgiving, unifying and generous parent who, despite being a Muslim, helped to construct Anglican and Catholic churches. (Credit: Frederick Kiwanuka)
Vision Group board chairman Edward Ddamulira Sengonzi, a family friend, said the late Serunjogi was hard to replace.
"Never again will you ever get a person like Sulaiman," Sengonzi said while addressing the hundreds of mourners who attended the burial.
Sengonzi also hailed the late Serunjogi for promoting education among children in the area. "The late Sula knew the value of education long before other people in Nakaseke."
Sengonzi criticised those who use social media platforms to mock the dead or prematurely announce sick people dead, blaming the vice on poor upbringing.
Microfinance state minister Haruna Kasolo urged Ugandans to emulate Serunjogi by setting aside political, religious and other differences and instead, work together for development.
Yunus Kakande, secretary in the Office of the President, hailed Serunjogi for his diligent service as RDC and his contribution to the liberation war.
Kakande said the late Serunjogi never parted ways with the NRM since joining the liberation struggle in 1981.
Other messages of condolence came from the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Speaker Anita Among and Parliament.
The function was attended by several MPs and ministers, including Works Minister Edward Wamala.