An eighteen-gun salute was accorded to the late Major Armstrong Obua during a solemn farewell ceremony on Friday, September 5, 2025, as thousands of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the fallen Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer.
Maj. Obua was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Amindit Village, Awori Parish, Abako Sub-county, Ajuri County, Alebtong District.
Born on September 27, 1976, Maj. Obua joined the UPDF in 2001 and had risen to the rank of Major by the time of his death. The 49-year-old officer tragically passed away on August 29, 2025, following a road accident along the Jinja–Kampala Highway in Kampala.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was represented at the burial by the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth. In a speech delivered on the President’s behalf, Minister Oboth conveyed the President’s condolences and announced a contribution of 10 million shillings towards burial expenses.
“We have lost a dedicated officer. On behalf of the UPDF and my own behalf, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family,” said Hon. Oboth Oboth.
Bishop Emeritus Alfred Acur Okodi described Maj. Obua as a disciplined and humble officer who served his country with honour.
The late Maj. Armstrong Obua was a younger brother to Hon. Denis Hamson Obua, the Government Chief Whip and newly elected Vice Chairperson in charge of Northern Uganda (NRM). In an emotional tribute, Hon. Obua described his brother as:
“A cherished sibling and a dedicated soldier remembered for his kindness and love for everyone.”
Minister Oboth also used the occasion to encourage the people of Ajuri County to support Hon. Denis Hamson Obua in his new role as Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda.
The burial was attended by a host of dignitaries including:
- Hon. Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, Secretary of the Lango Parliamentary Group
- Hon. Samuel Okwir Odwee
- Hon. Santa Alum Ogwang, Woman MP for Oyam
- Hon. Gilbert Olanya, MP for Kilak South County
- Hon. Anywar Ricky Richard, MP for Agago West
- Hon. Wokorach, MP for Aswa County
- Hon. John Baptist Lokii, Vice Chairperson NRM Karamoja Region
- Ambassador Paul Amoru
- Hon. Hellen Adoa
- Col. David Opeero, Deputy Commander of the 5th Infantry Division
- DK Odongo, LC5 Chairman, Alebtong District
- Various RDCs and community leaders
The funeral service was a moment of reflection on the life and service of Maj. Obua, who was honored not only as a soldier, but as a son of the soil who served his country with loyalty and dignity.
