Right from its inception, Jack Mucunguzi, joined the command structure of the National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle that got underway in 1981.

Just a day after the Battle of Kabamba involving 41 fighters armed with just 27 guns on February 6, 1981, and the successful retreat to Matovu’s farm a few kilometres from Kiboga town, the rebel chief, Yoweri Museveni, formed the first four sections of the rebel movement.

The first section according to President Museveni’s book, Sowing the Mustard Seed, was placed under Sam Magara, section two under Elly Tumwiine, section three under Hannington Mugabi, and the fourth section placed under Mucunguzi’s command.

Mucunguzi, who commanded the Abul Nasser unit, one of the best and forward units in the first period of the struggle, left a year before NRA overran Kampala in 1986 due to unexplained reasons.

“I am saddened to hear that Jack Mucunguzi has passed away. He was one of the 27 who attacked Kabamba with me and he was the commander of Section 4 of the nucleus of the NRA. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Museveni mourned after the news of his demise emerged on Sunday, June 18.

Maj. Gen. Joram Mugume, eulogised Mucunguzi as a patriotic fellow who loved his country and started his sacrifice to liberate the country in 1978 with the fight against Amin under the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) movement commanded by Museveni to overthrow the government of Idi Amin.

“He continued and trained as an officer cadet in Munduli Tanzania. He returned to Uganda after Amin's overthrow and then joined the second liberation. When he was in the bush, he commanded the Abdul Nasser unit which was located in the areas of Matugga and Semuto,” Mugume said.

Richard Munyaneza, who was Mucunguzi’s close friend and business associate, described him as a loyal friend, a committed and dedicated person.

“He was dedicated to whatever he set his mind on and he was very hard working. I have known him since 1976 and as a business associate, he was a focused person,” Munyaneza said.

Mucunguzi’s death comes less than a year after the death of yet another decorated bush war pioneer fighter, Gen. Elly Tumwine in August last year, leaving only seven of the 27 alive.

They are President Museveni, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Brig. Julius Kihandae, Brig. Fred Mwesigye, Brig. Andrew Lutaaya, Col. George Mwesigwa and Col. Charles Tusiime Rutarago.

Mucunguzi’s family on Sunday confirmed that he had succumbed to liver cancer at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.

Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha, described his brother, being the elder boy in the greater family, as one of its pillars.

“We grew up under his wings and he has been so helpful looking not only after his family but generously looking after other people,” Mugisha said.

A requiem service will be held at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero on Tuesday, June 20, ahead of the burial that will take place at Mucunguzi’s country home at Rwenjeru, Biharwe, in Mbarara district.

About Mucunguzi

Mucunguzi was born in Kitojo, Rukungiri district in 1958, married his wife, Harriet Mucunguzi in 1987 and is survived by four children, Kakwanzi, Phillip, Nadia and Timothy.

He attended Katebo Primary School, Rushozi Primary School and later joined Mbarara High School.

Shortly after, he joined the liberation struggle in 1979 following his military training at Ntare. After Amin had fled, Mucunguzi joined cadet trading in Monduli, Tanzania, in 1979.

Upon return, he was deployed in Kitgum district and joined others after the 1980 elections before joining the NRA rebellion that was formalised at Mathew Rukikaire’s house in Makindye, Kampala two days before the Kabamba attack.

Mucunguzi, after leaving the military, worked with the Uganda Revenue Authority, where he formulated initiatives for anti-smuggling.

He moved on to work at the Coffee Marketing Board before joining the private sector.