Biraro bars essanja at heroes’ re-burial

Feb 07, 2005

THE deputy chief of staff Brig. Benon Biraro on Friday barred mourners at the re-burial of former FRONASA commander Martin Mwesiga and NRA commander Lt. Col. Samuel Magara from wearing essanja, saying the function was military and not political.

By K. Muhanga

THE deputy chief of staff Brig. Benon Biraro on Friday barred mourners at the re-burial of former FRONASA commander Martin Mwesiga and NRA commander Lt. Col. Samuel Magara from wearing essanja, saying the function was military and not political.

The re-burial of the two brothers, killed during the struggle against Idd Amin and Obote’s regimes, took place in Rutooma in Kashari, Mbarara district.

“Tell all people carrying or wrapped in essanja (dry banana leaves, the unofficial symbol of a third term for President Yoweri Museveni) to leave them outside. They will use them after this function,” Biraro told soldiers manning the entrances.

Hundreds of movement supporters carrying essanja and others donning it like jackets thronged the burial site to display their third term project support to President Museveni.

Museveni was among several senior UPDF commanders and public officials at the ceremony.

“Mr. President, all those mourners came with ssanja but I banned them from this function as the function is military. After the function, your supporters, Sir, are free to don their attire,” Biraro said.
Museveni gave a prolonged eulogy about the brothers, saying it was because of their blood that Uganda is enjoying peace.

He said Mwesiga was killed by Amin’s soldiers in 1973 in Mbale while Magara was killed in Kampala where he had gone to treat ailing teeth.

Museveni said himself, Mwesiga and Mpiima had driven to Mbale to meet other fighters but soldiers surrounded them before they could meet the rest.

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