2016 Presidential Aspirant and NRA bush war hero, Maj. Gen (Rtd) Benon Buta Biraro passed on yesterday after battling cancer of the colon. The late was at Kampala International Hospital, from where he died at 12:30 pm according to Hospital authorities.
Gen. Biraro was admitted on February 6th at 12:06 pm and he passed away on February 12th, 24 minutes later than he arrived.
Hundreds of Ugandans have come out to mourn and eulogize the Farmer’s Party candidate who was born on March 1, 1958. Among them are his former colleagues in the 2016 election and notable citizens of the country.
“Gen. Biraro was a great man with great ideas. He has left a mark in the army he served so diligently & the country he loved so much. He has gone to be with the Lord too soon. Let the Lord comfort his family. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Prof Venansius Baryamureeba, former Makerere Vice Chancellor and 2016 Presidential aspirant.
“An Officer and a gentleman, par excellence, bows out. Sooo sad; a terrible loss of a good-hearted person and a patriot. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May he rest in peace.” Dr. Kizza Besigye tweeted as soon as he received news of the passing on.
Perhaps, the most touched among the political circles, was former Army Commander and ANT Founder, Gen (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu. He described the late as a patriot patriot who served his country diligently. And that amidst all the temptations of power, he has passed on by God’s Grace before bowing to the sense of entitlement that many within their ranks who fought the Bush war succumbed to.
“He stuck to the ideals we fought for & 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.” Gen. Muntu said.
People Power’s Bobi Wine was not left out in the swarm of eulogies and he also took time to celebrate the life of the fallen general and to wish him eternal rest.
“Very saddened by the passing of Gen. Benon Biraaro – a friend and role model. He loved and served Uganda with honor. A man of integrity! Three weeks ago I visited him. “I have accomplished my work. I have no regrets. I am ready to go.” he said. Kwaheri afande. Till we meet again.” Bobi Wine revealed.
