Reactions to Brig. Mayombo’s death

Gen. David Tinyefuza
Coordinator intelligence organisations
“This is such a shock. Noble symbolised the dream of upholding and fulfiling the achievements recorded in our struggle.
“Noble had an incredible self-drive, showing utter commitment to whatever he was doing. Indeed, he was a very committed cadre of the Movement, totally loyal to the revolution and absolutely intelligent.

“He was a man who what you saw was what he was. He was not double faced but absolutely genuine. Above all, being among the young cadres of our revolution, he symbolised our hope in the new generation. As such, he will be seriously missed.”

Amama Mbabazi, Minister of Security
“It is a great loss to the country, to the Government and to the ministry of Defence in particular. Not only has Mayombo been a capable worker, he was totally committed to his work and consistent in our revolutionary struggle. He was part of the mission to change our society. His departure is a great loss to our struggle and to the revolution. The greatest tribute we can pay to him is to re-dedicate ourselves to the struggle to bring change to Uganda and Africa as a whole.”

Edward Ssekandi, Speaker of Parliament
“He was very brilliant, energetic and he worked very hard in the Constituent Assembly, the 6th and 7th Parliaments. He made very intelligent contributions in the House on all issues. It is tragic and a big loss for the country.”

Prof. Ogenga Latigo (Leader of Opposition in Parliament)
“This is another national tragedy. We are losing many brilliant Ugandans who should help us at a critical time when we are transiting from Movement to multiparty politics. He is a person you could easily consult with, even for us in the opposition. He was a man with a good character.”

Col. James Mugira, Chief of Military Intelligence
“He was a paragon of virtue, who was as noble as his name. The country has lost a great man, a great thinker, an intellectual, a freedom fighter, a patriot and a pan-Africanist. He has been a friend to all. He was very kind,” shaken.

Best Kemigisa, Toro Queen mother
“It is a great tragedy for the Toro Kingdom and no doubt Uganda as a nation as well. I cannot begin to describe what the loss means to the Kingdom. He has been one of the King’s (Oyo) right hand men.”

Stephen Irumba, Toro Prime Minister
It is such a big tragedy because he was one of the most promising citizens of Toro.”

Daudi Migereko, energy minister
“It is tragic. As NRM, we have lost an asset, a talented person and a highly patriotic Ugandan and Pan-Africanist.”

Moses Byaruhanga, Presidential Political Assistant
“It is unfortunate that Brig. Mayombo died at a young age. We will remember him for his brilliancy and good leadership. He was such a patriot.”

John Ssebaana Kizito, Democratic Party president
“He was a young man whose contribution was very much needed in the future development of the country.”

Aggrey Awori, former MP
“I have lost a friend, a good soldier and a patriot.”

Chief Kisembo Bitamara, paramount chief of the Hema tribe in Ituri district
“Even when we were fighting each other in Ituri, Mayombo, the late James Wapakhabulo, Otafiire and Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda were always with us, telling us not to turn our guns against each other. These people helped us to treat wounded Congolese in Uganda. I knew Mayombo as a man who loved his country and who was committed to serving his President. He was a man of great energy and devoted to serving Congolese people as though they were Ugandans.”

Compiled by Milton Olupot, Steven Candia, Anne Mugisa, Emmy Allio and Felix Osike