Biraaro: Leaders send condolence messages

 

Just heard the sad news that Maj. Gen. Benon Biraaro has passed away. Rest in peace comrade! You made your mark.

 

I am saddened beyond measure about the passing of this gallant son of Uganda. Being 61 at the time of his death, Gen. Biraaro was not my contemporary, but he was a friend. Occasionally, we met on the lake some years back.

 

He spoke to me like a father would speak to a son. He was impressed that I was trying to work hard and encouraged me to work even harder. 

 

He despised corruption and the corrupt. He believed that true wealth should come from sweat and not cutting corners or making corrupt deals. He spoke about integrity in leadership and encouraged our generation to embrace honesty and diligence. 

 

Outstandingly, he did not only speak about integrity but lived it as well. Unlike many who abuse the uniform and use positions to amass wealth, he was never cited in any corruption scandal - he has died with his legacy intact. 

 

He used every opportunity to encourage me and our generation to prepare to take on the mantle of leadership. He spoke of how their generation had gone through a lot of challenges to build this nation, and was looking forward to a time when the next generation took over and made their contribution too.

 

When we started the People Power Movement, he spoke positively about our role in the struggle for democracy and encouraged all other forces of change not to be hostile to us, but rather to receive us with gladness so that we forge the way forward together.

 

Three weeks ago, I visited Gen. Biraaro at his home with a friend. He was very ill and frail and we felt very sorry for him. Despite his deteriorating state of health, his spirit was very strong. 

 

His heart was steadfast, trusting in the Lord. He told us that if God decided to restore him to good health, he would receive it. But if God called him, he was ready to go.

 

 Gen Benon Biraaro served his country diligently and unreservedly. Amidst all the temptations of power he has passed on by God's Grace before bowing to the sense of entitlement that many within our ranks who fought the Bush war succumbed to. 

 

He stuck to the ideals we fought for and never bowed to what has completely derailed the cause for which we made significant sacrifices. He did not succumb to greed and arrogance that have seen many loose bearing. 

 

He may not have often been critical in open public fora but I know that he boldly expressed his views to the powers that be on the most critical political and constitutional challenges of our time even when he was still in uniform. Amidst the trials and temptations of this world and the pain he experienced he has passed on in at ease with himself and his God.

Kizza Besigye, former presidential candidate 

An officer and a gentleman, par excellence, bows out. So sad; a terrible loss of a good-hearted person and a patriot. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

MAGRIP

 

I am saddened to learn of the death of Gen.  I convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, the UPDF and all citizens of Uganda. I pay tribute to him for being an officer and a gentleman. He will be remembered for his passion for national transformation. RIP