Homage to a revolutionary we miss
May 10, 2007
MEN are haunted by the vastness of eternity; so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries; will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?’
By Muhoozi Kainerugaba
MEN are haunted by the vastness of eternity; so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries; will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?’
Thus spoke Odysseus, one of the heroes of the ancient Greeks. Odysseus spoke concerning the Greeks epic confrontation with the Trojans around the 12th century BC, yet his words have an undeniable ageless quality.
On Tuesday the 1st of May 2007 our much loved comrade, Brigadier Noble Mayombo passed from greatness to immortality, an uncommon and singular occurrence.
How are legends born? What initiates the beginnings of myths and fables? Is it not true that most legends have an aspect of truth concealed within them?
We who knew Mayombo, who worked with him, who looked up to him, bear witness that his legend will embrace more truth than falsehood. For while we associated with him (while we still had him) it never occurred to us that we were in the presence of greatness. What was it about Mayombo that is rapidly converting the memory of the man into a legend? For certain his intellectual powers were unmatched. He had an incisive intelligence, with a remarkable ability to unravel complex problems.
The speed, with which he perceived issues, analyzed them, reached correct decisions and acted was astounding. His logic was powerful and irresistible. A lot has been said about Mayombo’s work ethic, the way he would work himself mercilessly. The manner in which he managed his numerous weighty responsibilities; and still was able to care for his family. However, what set him apart was his unwavering commitment to the Ugandan revolution, to the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF.
He had served the revolution for 22 years (since joining the NRA in 1985) and was as committed to it the last time we talked at length (about two weeks before he passed on) as he had been the first day he joined. Like Julius Caesar said (speaking of himself) he was ‘as constant as the Northern star, of whose true and fixed qualities there is no fellow in the firmament’.
There is something compelling about people who are absolutely certain about their convictions, who never hesitate. True, even unsavoury characters can be rock solid about their wicked persuasions; yet isn’t this part of the reason why ‘evil geniuses’ sway many souls to their beliefs? Afande Mayombo’s revolutionary convictions must have been carved out of the hardest flint, for they were indestructible.
He dedicated his entire adult life to the cause of liberating the people of Uganda. He fought with the valiant NRA to remove dictatorship in the mid-eighties, was a vital participant in the process of designing a new constitution in the mid-nineties, had fortified military intelligence in the time he spent as its chief and was presently creating waves in the Ministry of Defence as a permanent secretary.
The Ugandan people and indeed the African peoples have suffered a cruel blow with the loss of this exceptional liberation activist. We his comrades shall miss his infallible judgment, his powerful arguments, his inspired oratory, his passion for struggle, his indefatigable spirit and his sense of humour.
As soldiers we know that our profession may require of us the supreme sacrifice. I have served with men who paid the ultimate price at very tender ages. They were all as brave as lions and did not cringe in the face of death. What a great people we have that cultivates heroes like those serving in the defence forces, who sacrifice their lives for our nation. Brigadier Noble Mayombo was such a champion, he now joins the pantheon of heroes of the Ugandan revolution.
The likes of Ahmed Seguya, Luttamaguzi, Fred Rubereeza, Fred Rwigema Gisa, Chef Ali, Patrick Lumumba (Mussolini), Stanley Muhangi, Fred Mugisha, Benon Tumukunde, Akanga Byaruhanga, Mwinemuzei, Jet Mwebaze, Ikondere, Ondoga ori Amaza and Kabura. Names that will certainly thunder across the centuries; names we will not forget.
The last time we talked at length (we talked briefly when he had just been admitted to IHK) about three weeks ago he was his usual boisterous self. He joked that it was not in order for a whole brigadier and a ‘mubito’ to come to meet a mere major. I apologized for this ‘inconvenience’ and explained that I was on duty so there was no way I could leave my post.
As usual, the discussion was inspiring and his arguments were brilliant. With hindsight I am grateful for this last opportunity to profit from his very wise counsel, that day there were times when it seemed that the meeting would not take place, but he made certain that we met (a great man indeed). We salute you sir and we will never forget you. May your soul, rest in eternal peace.
MEN are haunted by the vastness of eternity; so we ask ourselves: will our actions echo across the centuries; will strangers hear our names long after we are gone, and wonder who we were, how bravely we fought, how fiercely we loved?’
Thus spoke Odysseus, one of the heroes of the ancient Greeks. Odysseus spoke concerning the Greeks epic confrontation with the Trojans around the 12th century BC, yet his words have an undeniable ageless quality.
On Tuesday the 1st of May 2007 our much loved comrade, Brigadier Noble Mayombo passed from greatness to immortality, an uncommon and singular occurrence.
How are legends born? What initiates the beginnings of myths and fables? Is it not true that most legends have an aspect of truth concealed within them?
We who knew Mayombo, who worked with him, who looked up to him, bear witness that his legend will embrace more truth than falsehood. For while we associated with him (while we still had him) it never occurred to us that we were in the presence of greatness. What was it about Mayombo that is rapidly converting the memory of the man into a legend? For certain his intellectual powers were unmatched. He had an incisive intelligence, with a remarkable ability to unravel complex problems.
The speed, with which he perceived issues, analyzed them, reached correct decisions and acted was astounding. His logic was powerful and irresistible. A lot has been said about Mayombo’s work ethic, the way he would work himself mercilessly. The manner in which he managed his numerous weighty responsibilities; and still was able to care for his family. However, what set him apart was his unwavering commitment to the Ugandan revolution, to the Commander-in-Chief and the UPDF.
He had served the revolution for 22 years (since joining the NRA in 1985) and was as committed to it the last time we talked at length (about two weeks before he passed on) as he had been the first day he joined. Like Julius Caesar said (speaking of himself) he was ‘as constant as the Northern star, of whose true and fixed qualities there is no fellow in the firmament’.
There is something compelling about people who are absolutely certain about their convictions, who never hesitate. True, even unsavoury characters can be rock solid about their wicked persuasions; yet isn’t this part of the reason why ‘evil geniuses’ sway many souls to their beliefs? Afande Mayombo’s revolutionary convictions must have been carved out of the hardest flint, for they were indestructible.
He dedicated his entire adult life to the cause of liberating the people of Uganda. He fought with the valiant NRA to remove dictatorship in the mid-eighties, was a vital participant in the process of designing a new constitution in the mid-nineties, had fortified military intelligence in the time he spent as its chief and was presently creating waves in the Ministry of Defence as a permanent secretary.
The Ugandan people and indeed the African peoples have suffered a cruel blow with the loss of this exceptional liberation activist. We his comrades shall miss his infallible judgment, his powerful arguments, his inspired oratory, his passion for struggle, his indefatigable spirit and his sense of humour.
As soldiers we know that our profession may require of us the supreme sacrifice. I have served with men who paid the ultimate price at very tender ages. They were all as brave as lions and did not cringe in the face of death. What a great people we have that cultivates heroes like those serving in the defence forces, who sacrifice their lives for our nation. Brigadier Noble Mayombo was such a champion, he now joins the pantheon of heroes of the Ugandan revolution.
The likes of Ahmed Seguya, Luttamaguzi, Fred Rubereeza, Fred Rwigema Gisa, Chef Ali, Patrick Lumumba (Mussolini), Stanley Muhangi, Fred Mugisha, Benon Tumukunde, Akanga Byaruhanga, Mwinemuzei, Jet Mwebaze, Ikondere, Ondoga ori Amaza and Kabura. Names that will certainly thunder across the centuries; names we will not forget.
The last time we talked at length (we talked briefly when he had just been admitted to IHK) about three weeks ago he was his usual boisterous self. He joked that it was not in order for a whole brigadier and a ‘mubito’ to come to meet a mere major. I apologized for this ‘inconvenience’ and explained that I was on duty so there was no way I could leave my post.
As usual, the discussion was inspiring and his arguments were brilliant. With hindsight I am grateful for this last opportunity to profit from his very wise counsel, that day there were times when it seemed that the meeting would not take place, but he made certain that we met (a great man indeed). We salute you sir and we will never forget you. May your soul, rest in eternal peace.