Eric Alyai, a 40-year-old tour guide and driver, who had a strong passion for his job, was remembered by his family and friends as a friendly, outgoing, and caring individual. Unfortunately, he became one of the three victims of a recent attack by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militias in Queen Elizabeth National Park on Tuesday.
Yesterday, a vigil took place at his parents’ home in Lugonjo, Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District. Friends and family came together to express their condolences and provide support to the grieving family.
Alyai’s mother, Ms. Rosemary Kabahinda, shared her memories of her first child, describing him as a cornerstone of their family, always there to comfort everyone in times of need. Ms. Kabahinda, a mother of six, recalled how Eric Alyai’s passion for driving became evident from a young age, sharing a playful anecdote of him taking his father’s car for a joyride, an act that annoyed his father and earned him a scolding. She mentioned that Alyai loved his job and would regularly share stories of his trips.
His wife, Ms. Ruth Mutamba, recounted her last interaction with her husband, which took place on Monday when he left for work. He informed her that clients would be traveling by air from Entebbe and meeting him in Kasese District. He was expected to spend eight days on the trip before returning home and departing on another journey. At the time, their daughter was unwell, and Alyai inquired if there was enough money. Mutamba expressed her concerns about the funds, to which he responded that he would find a way to secure more.
Ms. Mutamba also disclosed that Alyai was in the process of purchasing a shop, which would provide additional income for the family. She mentioned that two weeks earlier, she had expressed her desire to find employment. Coincidentally, someone near Alyai’s parents’ home was selling a retail shop for Shs10 million, of which Alyai had already paid Shs4 million. He explained that the shop was intended to support their daughter’s needs, leaving Ms. Mutamba pondering whether he had unknowingly bid her farewell.
Denis Erabu, a senior safari guide with Mantana African Safaris, recalled Alyai as a promising young guide with an immense passion for the tourism industry. They met a few years ago when Alyai introduced himself as they shared a common ancestral place in Kaberamaido. Erabu praised Alyai’s work ethic and expressed sadness over his untimely demise.
Daniel Ngirabakunzi, a fellow tour guide, remembered Alyai as a friendly and cooperative individual who was well-liked within the industry. He emphasized Alyai’s eagerness to learn and consult, noting that at the time of his passing, he was considered one of Uganda’s finest tour guides, making his loss deeply felt in the industry.
Emmanuel Baturine, another tour guide, met Alyai in 2014 during training at Kanyawala Makerere University Biological Field Station in Kibale National Park. Their friendship deepened in 2017 when Baturine started working for the same company in Entebbe that Alyai was affiliated with. Alyai consistently checked up on his friend, even knowing Baturine’s family, and their close bond was celebrated. Baturine expressed his enduring sorrow at the loss of his best friend.
