ELDERS | SENIOR | CITIZENS

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Museveni has saluted senior citizens and elders who have contributed immensely to the development of Uganda.

In a recorded address, the President commended elders who have served in both the government and private sector, many are now retired, stressing many along their lines of service have mentored many other generations.

President Yoweri Museveni has commended elders who have served in both the government and private sector, stressing many along their lines of service have mentored many other generations. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Museveni said every year, the country should organize ceremonies to recognize many senior citizens now scattered all over the country but have served and made remarkable contributions to national development in various capacities.

The president’s message was played on a large screen at a high-profile function organized at the Sheraton Hotel to celebrate the 76th Birthday of Dr. Elly Karuhanga, the chairman of the Private Sector Foundation Uganda.

The elders after a high-profile function organized at the Sheraton Hotel to celebrate the 76th Birthday of Dr. Elly Karuhanga, the chairman of the Private Sector Foundation.

Dr. Karuhanga is also remembered for having contributed an unspecified large amount of money from his private business to finance the National Resistance Army (NRA) during the early years of waging war against the Milton Obote II government.

In this regard, Dr. Karuhanga is also delighted that President Museveni has on several occasions recognized him for having given him lots of money when they started the war in 1981.

Dr. Karuhanga with some of his fellow elders' children at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Saturday.

At the function, 21 senior citizens who served in various capacities were recognized. 

The former Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi, who represented the President handed over sh10m to each of the elders as a transport refund plus accolades in recognition of their services. 

Dr. Karuhanga and wife welcomed as they arrived at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.

The president, however, promised to give what he described as ‘Seed’ to each of the elders.

Some of the elders could not make it due to old age and were represented by their children. 

The former Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi (L) represented President Yoweri Museveni at the function.

Those who were recognized included Dr. Elly Karuhanga, Prof. Francis Omaswa, Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere, former Chief Justice Bart Katurebe, former privatization minister Mathew Rukikaire, Prof. Edward Rugumayo, Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo, Dokolo district woman legislator Cecilia Atim Ogwal, Ernest Kakwano, Ambassador Gabriel Kangwagye, Dr. John Patrick Kaboyo and Ambassador Francis Katana.

Those who were unable to turn up included former local government minister, Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, who was represented by his son, Kakonge, former deputy premier Muganwa Kajura, Elly Rwakakooko, former Electoral Commission chairman Steven Besweri Akabwayi, Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, Col. Amanya Mushega, former minister Henry Kyemba, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and former legislator, Ben Wacha.

Several elders were in attendance.

At the function organized by Odreek Rwabogo, son-in-law of President Museveni, many of these elders were applauded for having mentored many young generations.

Several elders, especially those who served in Parliament praised Karuhanga’s contributions to major debates in Parliament. 

Dr. Karuhanga and family.

Ogwal said Katuhanga played a major role as chairman of the foreign affairs committee that approved funds for the construction of the ministry of foreign affairs and seats of foreign embassies. 

Karuhanga was also praised for being a good orator who was never afraid of speaking his mind but also led many talks and negotiations outside parliament.

Amama Mbabazi and the Karuhangas

Dr. Karuhanga is one of the Founding Partners of Kampala Associated Advocates and founding Chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines & Petroleum, an organisation that seeks to promote and develop Uganda’s mining and petroleum operations and services.

He is also the Chairman of the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum and the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Seychelles to Uganda since 2005.

Ofwono Opondo (L), the government spokesperson and Executive Director of the Uganda Media Center and other officials at the function.

Dr. Karuhanga, who was being helped to walk, however, said he recently got a health setback that affected his nerves but was happy that he was slowly getting back in form. 

He was, however, shocked that his wife, with whom they had stayed together for 47 years, kept it a secret from him that they had organized a birthday party. 

Captain Mike Mukula was also present.

He said even his closest aides and children did not tip him, only to arrive at Sheraton amidst cheers and ululations and referred to his former comrades and family members as conspirators.

He said it was God that had kept him for a purpose, having survived a number of his would-be last days, including several incidents during the Idi Amin regime. 

He said he was a private businessman and had made a lot of money by importing and selling car batteries but he gave all his money to the NRA fighters.

He later joined the struggle as part of the external wing of the rebels. He was pleased that his role had been recognized and was happy to be one of the founding members of NRA.

Dr. Karuhanga with his Dr. accolade.

The function was attended by ministers, Frank Tumwebaze for agriculture, Major Gen. Jim Muhwezi, minister for security and Alice Kaboyo minister for Luwero Triangle and the NRM vice chairman for Eastern region, Captain Mike Mukula, among others.

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Take a look at the rest of the pictures from the function, all by New Vision's Eddie Ssejjoba.

Several elders were given accolades.

Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo received a gift given to him.

Former prime minister Mbabazi joins Dr. Elly Karuhanga and wife Stella to cut a cake.