Etiang was a patriotic cadre, says Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni has eulogised former deputy prime minister, veteran Paul Etiang as a cadre who implemented the National Resistance Movement's (NRM) vision to rebuild and steady the country.

The eulogy was delivered by the Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda, on Tuesday through zoom conferencing during the service for late diplomat at All Saints' Cathedral, Nakasero in Kampala.

New Vision obtained a copy of the written speech. Etiang, 82, succumbed to COVID-19-related illness on New Year's eve. He was admitted to International Hospital Kampala (IHK).

The casket was conspicuously absent from church and remained at the funeral home, in observance of the COVID-19 standard operating procedures.

Service record

Etiang served in the post-independence government as foreign affairs minister, diplomat at the Organisation of African Unity and the UN.

From 1988 to 1999, he was regional co-operation minister and information minister, among others.

Museveni noted that Etiang's track record was admirable.

"Throughout his time in government, his diligence and intelligence shone through. These were the qualities that propelled his rise through the ranks of Government," Museveni said.

"He was an ambassador with high integrity, straightforward, open-minded, hardworking, a noble officer and served diligently. He was also a keen promoter of a united Uganda. He left an indelible mark wherever he worked," Museveni added.

Tributes

The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, said Etiang gave the country prominence in the international diplomatic service.

Between 1996 and 1998, Kadaga was state minister for regional co-operation (Africa and the Middle East).

"Paul was my friend. I wondered, when I was in foreign affairs (ministry), why a country such as Uganda had a prestigious service internationally. Then I understood it was because of Paul," Kadaga said.

She noted that Etiang was part of a Think Tank, The Eagles, and that his demise leaves her and foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa as the only survivors. The other deceased members are former cabinet minister Ateker Ejalu and former Speaker of Parliament James Wapakhabulo.

Former judge James Ogoola, who spoke on behalf of Etiang's friends, said the deceased supported church projects and was a regular attendee at All Saints' Cathedral, Nakasero.