President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to fallen UPDF officer, Maj. Patrick Opio Awany, saying Patriots and Pan-Africanists can only honor his legacy by furthering the ideals for which he died.
Museveni saluted Opio who died in a bomb attack in Somalia, for his contribution towards defending the legitimate interests of the people.
“He will be remembered for his courage and commitment to his country and the African continent” the CiC said in his speech read by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo who represented him at the final send-off of the late military officer.
Museveni said that the UPDF stands on pillars of patriotism and Pan-Africanism and therefore, has the historical mandate of defending the legitimate interests of the people of Uganda and Africa.
“Anyone that undermines the aspirations of our people by sowing divisions on the basis of tribe, religion, gender etcetera is our archenemy. It is therefore our duty to fight and defeat the bankrupt groups that attempt to propagate the anti-people agenda on the African soil” he said.
The President said that the pro-people ideology of the UPDF has ushered in peace, unity, stability, development and socioeconomic transformation of Uganda and other parts of Africa.
On behalf of the UPDF, government and NRM party, Museveni extended condolences to the NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong Awany and his family for losing a relative, in addition to extending the same to the UPDF family for losing one of its comrades and fighter.
“My prayers are with the family, during this hour of grief. Your son may have departed from your midst, but the fruits of his work will remain and benefit future generations. He led a life of service to his motherland; and all patriots must be
proud of his legacy and emulate his wonderful example” the Head of State said through his 2iC, the workholic Alupo who is also Katakwi district Woman MP.
