Gen. Aronda to be laid to rest today

By Caleb Bahikayo         

Fallen hero Gen Aronda Nyakairima will be laid to rest today at his home in Nyakiju village, Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri district.
 
The General died a week ago in Dubai in transit to Entebbe after a working visit to South Korea.

Aronda's body was flown to his ancestral home Saturday afternoon. 

Information and National Guidance Minister Jim Muhwezi greets Gen. Ivan Koreta who escorted his former boss to his final resting place. Photo/Cale Bahikayo

The body was accompanied by his family members including the widow, Lindah, his son Samuel Agaba Aronda, and daughter Samatha among others who flew on another chopper.
 
Information and National Guidance Minister Jim Muhwezi led the delegation that received the body.
 
The Anglican Bishop of North Kigezi, Patrick Tugume Tusingwaire who led prayers Saturday asked the Christians to pray and support the deceased's wife and children.

Pallbearers led by Gen. Ivan Koreta and Maj.Gen Fred Mugisha carry Aronda's casket on arrival in Rukungiri.  Photo/Cale Bahikayo

Relatives and residents in Rukungiri had only heard, and seen proceedings of the Gen. farewell journey on television, right from the day his body was flown back home on Wednesday, his lying in state at parliament and the special prayers at Kololo.

A hushed silence engulfed residents who had gathered at his home for prayers as the General's casket arrived home.
Photo/Caleb Bahikayo

However, reality hit home when their gallant son finally touched down in the sprawling hills of Rukungiri aboard a chopper.

Relatives grieving for the loss of their son. Photo/Caleb Bahikayo

Prayers were said for the late Gen. Aronda

As the respectful procession led by his former deputy, Gen Ivan Koreta snaked into his drive, a hushed silence engulfed residents who had gathered at his home for prayers.

It was painful to watch; relatives and family dubbing their eyes with hankies in uncontrollable grief.

The widow, Linda, overcome by grief, is comforted by the Anglican Bishop of North Kigezi, Patrick Tugume Tusingwaire

These were heart wrenching scenes, capped by a grieving widow sobbing in the chest of the Bishop as he comforted her through this trying moment.

May the almight God rest Gen. Aronda's soul in peace.