NRA Bush war hero Capt. Tibananuka family wants govt recognition

As Ugandans celebrate Tarehe Sita, to mark the start of the armed liberation struggle, when National Resistance Army (NRA), later turned into Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) attacked Kabamba barracks on February 6, 1981, the family of late Capt. Atanansio Tibananuka want government to recognise their father’s effort and other forgotten heroes.

The call has been made by Tibananuka's son, Deogratius Kwezi of Ruharo, Mbarara city, during the launch of the book: The legacy of Capt. Atanansio Tibananuka" ( King of the Jungle).

Tibananuka, according to Kwezi, is one of the unsung and forgotten NRA bush heroes who contributed to the liberation of Uganda during the five-year bushwar.

During the recent launch of the book published by Vision Group (New Vision Printing and Publishing company Ltd) in Mbarara city, Kwezi described his late father as a selfless and patriotic person who left his young family to go and serve his beloved country with one heart and love.

The late Tibananuka was a self-employed and progressive businessman who had acquired properties around the districts of Mbarara, Kiruhura and Ibanda before joining the liberation struggle in 1981.

“The late Capt. Atanansio Tibananuka is the NRA fallen comrade RO.183 who sacrificed his life when he joined NRA liberation struggle in 1981 and served in many capacities after the liberation until 1992 when he died,” Kwezi said.

He added that “the contribution of some of the NRA liberation heroes is passing unnoticed over time. It’s not surprising that as time passes, their sacrifices would never be acknowledged at all. We were so many in the family who underwent quite a number of hardships, but his memory and contributions to the liberation struggle make us proud.”

Tibabanuka allegedly always told his children that he made great sacrifices and contributions to the liberation of Uganda, and his record is well known by comrades and the commander-in-chief among many Ugandans.

“Our father advised us to preserve and serve our country diligently with honesty, integrity and trust so as to leave a good legacy. Not to bring shame to the legacy of the fallen NRA heroes who sacrificed their lives in the course of national liberation of Uganda from a dictatorial regime, corruption, sectarianism, gross abuse of human rights, among others.

Capt Tibananuka Book

A great patriot

‎According to Maj. Gen.(rtd) John Mateeka, who was the chief of personnel and administration at the time Tibananuka died (1992), described the late as a nationalist, non-sectarian and a generous person.

He had his country at heart, a great patriot committed to the restoration of democracy in his country, Uganda and a dependable comrade.

Mateeka added that Tibananuka was part of the pioneer gallant freedom fighters of the NRA led by President Yoweri Museveni. After the takeover of government by the NRA in 1986, he served in different capacities, including the construction unit. He also attended the first officers' Basic course of the NRA at Bombo in 1989 with other comrades.

Keeping the legacy alive

Ambassador (Rtd) Maj. Gen. Fred Mugisha, who was the chief guest, hailed Kwezi for collecting the information and have it on record to remind people contributions and the roles of the Late Tibananuka and other heroes in the liberation struggle, as well keeping the legacy of his late father.

He advised Kwezi and the relatives of the departed heroes not to lament about government forgetting their contributions in the liberation of the country, saying even if the Government is to recognise them (the heroes), they cannot be brought back to life, but they are known for the peace they brought, which Ugandans are enjoying.

Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, the commander of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division, Makenke in Mbarara city, also commended Kwezi’s initiative to look for the details of the Heroes who contributed to the liberation struggle so that they can be remembered and recognised.

He, however, tasked Kwezi to also look for the children of the deceased heroes, organise them and form associations so that they can be rewarded for the good things their parents did during the struggle to liberate the country.