UPDF mourns Lt Col Charles Ddamulira

KAMPALA - The Director General of Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Colonel Frank Kaka Bagyenda has praised the late Lieutenant Colonel Charles Wasswa Kaboggoza Ddamulira, describing him as one of the committed officers of UPDF, who have made a great contribution to the country's peace and security.

Afande Ddamulira, a senior UPDF officer attached to ISO, died on Friday (April 5), after a short illness. He was aged 55. Ddamulira's tributes were paid during a requiem mass organised at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church, Mbuya on Monday (April 8). The mass was presided over by Msgr Lawrence Ssemusu (who represented Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga) and Fr Anthony Kibira.

Dr Kagoro Kaijamurubi delivers the condolence message from the ISO director, Col Frank Kaka Bagyenda

 
Col Kaka's condolence message was delivered by Dr Kagoro Kaijamurubi.

Kaka said of Ddamulira: "He was a committed, dedicated and reliable intelligence officer. He contributed enormously to the growth and expansion of protective services. He was part of the joint security team that cleared Kampala of the rogues. He was an inspiration to the rest of our staff. We shall always remember his contribution to peace and security in this country."

Robert Sempa, the former head of the Laity of Kampala Archdiocese and elder brother of Afande Ddamulira, thanked UPDF and ISO for their love and generosity.

Children of the late Lt Col Charles Ddamulira laying a wreath on the casket containing the remains of their dad

 
"We shall always miss our brother. He was ever cheerful and positive. But we shall also never forget the love and generosity of UPDF and ISO. When Charles fell sick about a month ago, the Doctors demanded that we first pay sh3m before they start treating him. When I informed my brother Brigadier Sam Kakuru, he gave instructions and that the money was paid immediately by UPDF. We have also been spending atleast sh3m every day, on Charles' treatment in hospital but all the expenses were being met by UPDF and ISO. We are very grateful."

Dr James Ssemwanga also said of his brother:

"Charles passionately loved and valued the military. He deeply understood the military and its role in the country's political economy. He was keen on elegance. Even when he played games like chess, he did not mind much about winning, but the manner in which he won the game. We thank UPDF for nurturing his talents."

The mother of the late Lt Col Charles Wassaw Ddamulira, Mary Theresa Nalubega (centre) lays a wreath on the casket

 
Afande Ddamulira joined UPDF in 1987 after doing his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at Makerere University. During his military career, he worked with ISO as intelligence officer. He also worked with the anti-smuggling unit of URA. He also worked as DISO for Rubaga and Arua. He was later made Section Head of Counter-Insurgency, before his final deployment to the Directorate of liaison operations.  

Because of his intelligence, passionate and dedicated service, Ddamulira was selected to do a course in information analysis in the Soviet Union. He also got counter-terrorism training in Israel, South Africa and the US. It is this expertise that enabled him to perform well at URA's anti-smuggling unit.

Afande Ddamulira is survived by his wife Sophie Ddamulira and children. He was laid to rest at his ancestral burial grounds at Kakoba, Mbarara.

Sophie Ddamulira, wife of the late Lt Col Charles Ddamulira eulogizing her husband during the requiem mass at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church, Mbuya

UPDF officers and other mourners during the requiem mass for the late Lt Col Charles Ddamulira