By Bosco Nemeyimana
Retired Gen. Edward Kale Kayihura thanked the Bafumbira people for the love they have always shown him. This was in a speech that was read yesterday by the executive director of Eden Mission International, Rwego Kenneth, who represented Gen. Kayihura at celebrations that took place in Mayor’s Garden. The celebrations were about the freedom granted to Kayihura by the General Court Martial on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, and his subsequent ceremony of officially retiring from the UPDF on Thursday, August 31, 2023.
In his speech, Kayihura echoed the Bafumbira people’s affection multiple times for the love they showed him while he was still serving as a UPDF officer and even after he was removed from his position as police chief, not forgetting when he was charged in court martial.
Kayihura noted that the Bafumbira people had shown him immeasurable and unconditional love in all circumstances. He also committed himself to working with them in his retirement. He also expressed his gratitude to the President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and his son, Gen. Muhozi Kainerugaba, for their role in securing his freedom. Kayihura similarly thanked the court martial headed by Brig. Gen. Freeman Robert Mugabi for being impartial and dropping all charges against him.
Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kisoro Municipality, who was present at the event, thanked the President of the Republic of Uganda and his son, Gen. Muhozi Kaneirugaba, for playing pivotal roles in securing Kayihura’s freedom.
Similarly, district councilors from various sub-counties, including Nakato Diana and Emmanuel from Nyakinama, thanked the president and his son. Other councilors were Kazimili Wilson of Chahi sub-county, Irankunda Innocent of Murora, Joram Hagabimana of Busanza, Mfitumukiza Johns of Nyarusiza, Florence Nkuranga of Nyakabande, and Kanaba.
Gen. Kayihura, who retired yesterday, was exonerated on Wednesday, August 30, by the General Court Martial in Makindye, which was headed by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabi.
Gen. Kayihura was at the helm of the police for 13 years, from 2005 to 2018, when he was removed from his position by the appointing authority.
Kayihura’s freedom was granted after five years of battling cases in court martial, ever since he was picked up from his home in Kashagama, Lyantonde district, on June 13, 2018.