Gen. Aronda Nyakairima: Uganda's Interior Minister Dies Suddenly During Trip Abroad

Gen. Aronda died last night of heart attack while on transit in Dubai from South Korea (Image source: redpepper.com)

Uganda's prime minister says the country's interior minister died suddenly while traveling home from official duty in South Korea. Ruhakana Rugunda said in a statement Saturday that Gen. Aronda Nyakairima died while transiting through Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

The statement said the cause of death is not yet known and that a team of pathologists had been dispatched to Dubai to assist with the postmortem examination and repatriation of the body.

AP report continues:

Nyakairima, who was 56, served as interior minister since 2013. He had previously been the top commander of Uganda's military, and was credited with helping to push infamous warlord Joseph Kony from Ugandan territory.

Gen Aronda Nyakairima Is Dead, Pathologists Dispatched To Dubai — RedPepper

Meanwhile on the same story, RedPepper reports Uganda’s government is planning to send a team of pathologists to assist with Post mortem of the body of deceased Internal Affairs Minister, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.

According to the report, Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rugunda said that government has set up a task force led by led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to this tragedy.

“Government has set up a task force, led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to this tragedy. A team of doctors–pathologists—is also being sent to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to assist with the post-mortem and the repatriation of the body,” Rugunda said.

He added; “We will keep the country informed of any further details. General Aronda Nyakairima, who also served the country as Chief of Defence Forces, was a dedicated servant of the people of Uganda and his death is a tragic and huge loss to the country.”

Rugunda said that his family has been informed. Nyakairima will be remembered for flashing NRA rebel leader Joseph Kony out of Uganda when he led Operation iron fist.

Meanwhile, Army spokesperson said meeting is in progress at Kololo to determine way forward on the passing of Gen Aronda.

Social Media Tribute

Muhoozi Kainerugaba: “I am extremely saddened at the untimely passing of our long time commander and leader, General Aronda Nyakairima. RIP.” (Via Twitter)

Don Wanyama: Rest in peace good General. I met you a couple of times, once for about two hours for a private chat, and your humility, affability and warmth were unmistakable. Rest in peace Gen Aronda Nyakairima.

Sarah Kagingo: General Aronda has run his race; meticulously served his country, the East African Community and Africa at large. To God we will all return. May this comfort his beloved family and countrymen. Rest in peace, General.

Matthew Bagonza: Whatever Gen. Aronda tried to do in life, he tried with all his heart to do well; that whatever he devoted himself to, He devoted himself to completely; that in great aims and in small, He has always been thoroughly in earnest.

Richard Kabonero: Tremendous loss of a patriot and freedom http://fighter.RIP Gen Aronda.
Richard Sezibera: So saddened to learn of the death of my Comrade Gen Aronda Nyakairima. The soldiers in the trenches of African integration salute you. RIP!