West Nile mourns Brig. Gen. Nasur Ezaga, former UNRF II commander

___________________

Communities in the West Nile sub-region and the military fraternity in Uganda are mourning the death of Brigadier General Nasur Ezaga, the former chairman of the high command for the defunct Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II).

Born in 1943 in the remote village of Jabala in Yumbe district, Ezaga passed away on Thursday at Victoria Hospital in Kampala at the age of 82.

His son, Ali Nasur Apangu, reported that his father began experiencing health complications from diabetes and hypertension several years ago, but his condition worsened around April of this year. Ezaga was initially admitted to Bombo Military Barracks and later transferred to Victoria Hospital for comprehensive care under the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

"We have been at Victoria Hospital for the last six months. Mzee underwent brain surgery last month due to a blood clot in his brain. Since he spent the majority of his life in the military, the UPDF has taken his body to Bombo Military Barracks and will arrange for his send-off," Apangu said.

About Brigadier Nasur Ezaga

Late Brigadier General (Rtd) Nasur Ezaga was born in 1943 and joined the Army in 1961 as part of the King's African Rifles, later serving in the Uganda Army.

He was involved in various military regimes, including Obote I and Idi Amin Dada's regime.

Ezaga later collaborated with General Moses Ali as a founding member of the Uganda National Rescue Front and subsequently formed the Uganda National Rescue Front II with the late Major General Ali Bamuze.

Following the comprehensive peace agreement signed between the Government of Uganda and UNRF II at Yumbe Boma grounds in 2002, Ezaga enrolled in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF). He rose through the ranks within the UPDF until his retirement in 2010.

After retiring, Ezaga returned to Yumbe, where he mobilised various groups to engage in agriculture and supported the government.

Tributes

Rt. Maj. Noah Acikule, a former political commissar for the defunct UNRF II, described the late Ezaga as a true patriot who wanted the best for his people. He noted that Ezaga dedicated his life to ensuring peace in the region and committed himself to service.

"As a son of the region, Ezaga inspired many of us to join the army. He worked tirelessly to promote peace and devoted himself to serving the country. In him, we have lost a gallant son—dedicated and committed, always wishing well for his people," Acikule said.

Ali Kalafani Drasi, a councillor representing the Bijo sub-county and Secretary for Security in Yumbe district, stated that Uganda has lost a pillar of peace. He emphasised that Ezaga played a crucial role in restoring peace to West Nile.

"He was a key advisor to the late Maj Gen Ali Bamuze, the then Chairman of UNRF II, and his advice led Bamuze to accept negotiations for peace," Drasi added.