PICTORIAL: President Museveni mourns wife of his Deputy Press Secretary, describes her as loyal cadre and great mobiliser

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has mourned Ms. Gladys Aliyinza, the wife of his Deputy Press Secretary, Hajji Faruk Kirunda.

Ms. Aliyinza died on Thursday 27th June 2024 in a fatal motor accident in Luuka District.

During the burial ceremony that was attended by a mammoth of mourners yesterday at Lambala village in Luuka, President Museveni extended condolences to Hajji Kirunda and his family for losing a wife and a mother.

“At this dark hour, my thoughts are with the family. The beautiful memories that you shared with her shall remain,” the President said in his message that was delivered by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo.

President Museveni further noted that the NRM party has been robbed of a loyal cadre and great mobiliser.

“I commend Hajji Kirunda for serving with dedication. The NRM is a big clan; and therefore, you can bank on everyone’s support during this trying moment,” he said.

He also contributed Shs10m to Hajji Kirunda as condolences.

On her part, H.E Alupo expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

She said the late Gladys was a young and resourceful leader.

“We pray that God gives you strength and courage so that you overcome this trying moment,” the Vice President said.

The NRM First National Vice Chairman, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, prayed to God to make Hajji Kirunda and his family strong.

“It’s God who decides when you will die. It’s unfortunate that God has taken Gladys but it was Him who decided that her time is up,” he said.

The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda thanked God for the life of Ms. Gladys, saying she was honest and hardworking.

“We shall miss Gladys so much. She performed her duties so well during her time at the Office of the National Chairman-NRM,” she said.

Hajji Kirunda thanked mourners for standing with him in the trying moment.

He said despite the loss of his dear wife, as a father, he will continue taking good care of his young children.

Hajji Kirunda also talked about his late wife’s political aspirations and thanked the people of Luuka for the support they have been giving Ms. Gladys in her political journey.

The NRM Deputy Secretary General, Hon. Rose Namayanja on behalf of the NRM party, sympathised with Hajji Kirunda upon the loss of his wife.

“We pray that God guides you and makes you strong in this trying moment. We pray that God gives you the courage to raise your young children. You have now become the father and mother of your young children in the absence of Gladys.”

The Minister of health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, who was also a friend to the deceased, said losing Ms. Gladys was very tragic and painful.

“We have lost Gladys at a very young age with young children. But I know God will guide and provide for you. My prayer is that May her Soul rest in eternal peace.”

The Senior Presidential Advisor on Security and Defence, Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso on behalf of the people of Mukono where the deceased was a resident, advised Hajji Kirunda to stay humble and strong.

“Stay strong for your young children.”

Brig Gen. Henry Isoke, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit informed Hajji Kirunda that, “Time will heal you and you will overcome the trying moment.”

The State House Comptroller Ms. Jane Barekye also conveyed condolences to Hajji Kirunda, in a message read by Ms. Agnes Birungi.

“We pray to God to surround you with love and with His goodness to give you courage and strength.”

Hajji Muhammad Nkuutu, on behalf of Hajji Kirunda’s family thanked all people who stood with the bereaved family.

The ceremony was also attended by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt.Hon Rukia Nakadama, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Hon. Hellen Adoa, the Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, Minister of General Duties-Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Kasule Lumumba, Minister of State for Youth and Children, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, Minister of State for Housing, Hon. Persis Namuganza, the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, the National Chairman of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Council, Hajji Muhammad Lubega Kisambira, the Katukiro of Busoga Kingdom, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, among other dignitaries.