By Emmanuel Okol
LUUKA DISTRICT
President Yoweri Kaguta yesterday condoled with the family of Hajji Faruk Kirunda following the death of his wife, Ms. Gladys Aliyinza.
Hajji Kirunda is the Deputy Press Secretary to H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda.
Ms. Aliyinza famously known as Maama Mandela died on 27th June, 2024 after being involved in a fatal motor accident in Luuka district.
Her body has been laid to rest at Lambala village, Irongo Sub County, Luuka district Eastern Uganda.
President Yoweri Museveni told hundreds of mourners that death has robbed the NRM Party of a loyal cadre and great mobiliser.
His message was delivered by the Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo who was accompanied by her husband Peter Abaine.
The president commended Hajji Kirunda for serving with dedication and on behalf of the Government, he assured Kirunda that NRM is a big clan; and therefore, he can bank on everyone’s support during this trying moment.
He commiserated with the young children for losing their dear mother and sent out his thoughts to the family during this “dark hour”. Aliyinza was survived by three young children.
“May the beautiful memories that you shared with her forever remain,” the president said.
Aliyinza was working as an Administrator with the Office of NRM National Chairman by the time of her death.
She went to Makerere University for CISCO Networking Engineering. She also attained a Degree in Public Administration from Nkozi University before going back to Makerere University for Administration Law.
Hajji Kirunda eulogized his spouse as a very friendly, hardworking and loving wife. He pledged to take good care of his young children.
Aliyinza’s send-off was witnessed by hundreds of mourners who eulogized her as a very hardworking and loving person who served with the people of Luuka district with humility and love without discrimination.
The mourners included; Cultural and religious leaders and politicians notably Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo the Vice Chairman of the NRM party. He described the late as a very hardworking NRM cadre.
The State House Comptroller Jane Barekye said they were deeply saddened by the sad news of the passing of Kirunda’s wife, Aliyinza and asked the good Lord to comfort the bereaved family throughout this trying time.
She told mourners that to lose a loved one, especially a spouse is one of the most trying moments in life.
“May you find some peace in knowing that Aliyinza led a rich life surrounded by those she loved and those that loved her,” Barekye said.
She prayed to the most merciful God to surround the Kirunda family with love so that they are not overwhelmed with the loss of their dear one.
Barekye’s condolence message was delivered by Agnes Birungi of the Human Resources Office of State House.
Other dignitaries included the Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom Dr. Joseph Muvawala who eulogized Aliyinza as a committed servant of the Kingdom. “She never missed any event or function for the Kingdom. She served her King with integrity,” Owek. Muvawala eulogized.
Others present at the burial were; the 3rd deputy prime minister Rukia Nakadama, Health Minister Dr. Aceng, Inspector General of police Abasi Byakagaba, Ethics and integrity Minister Rose Lilly Akello and Fisheries minister Hellen Adoa, Kasule Lumumba, Rose Namayanja among others officials.
