LUUKA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has expressed his condolences to Hajji Faruk Kirunda and his family following the death of his wife, Gladys Aliyinza, known affectionately as Maama Mandela. Aliyinza passed away on June 27, 2024, after a tragic motor accident in Luuka district.
Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, accompanied by her husband Peter Abaine, delivered the President’s message to the mourners. President Museveni highlighted the profound loss to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), noting that Aliyinza was a loyal cadre and an exceptional mobilizer.
Aliyinza’s body was laid to rest at Lambala village in Irongo Sub County, Luuka District. Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their respects, underscoring her impact on the community and her dedication to the NRM.
In his message, President Museveni praised Hajji Kirunda for his unwavering dedication to the party and assured him of the NRM’s support during this difficult time. The President extended his condolences to the young children, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss of their mother. Aliyinza is survived by three children.
“May the beautiful memories you shared with her forever remain,” President Museveni stated.
At the time of her death, Aliyinza served as an Administrator in the Office of the NRM National Chairman. She held a CISCO Networking Engineering certification from Makerere University, a degree in Public Administration from Nkozi University, and had also pursued Administration Law at Makerere University.
Hajji Kirunda eulogized his wife as a friendly, hardworking, and loving individual, pledging to care for their children. Mourners, including cultural and religious leaders and politicians, echoed his sentiments, remembering Aliyinza as a dedicated and humble servant of Luuka district.
Notable attendees included Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo, Vice Chairman of the NRM party, who praised Aliyinza’s hard work and dedication to the party. The State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, conveyed her deep sadness and prayed for comfort for the bereaved family. She emphasized the profound difficulty of losing a spouse and praised Aliyinza’s rich life surrounded by loved ones.
Barekye’s message, delivered by Agnes Birungi from the Human Resources Office of State House, called for divine love to support the Kirunda family through their grief.
Other dignitaries present at the burial included Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, who lauded Aliyinza’s commitment to the Kingdom. Additional attendees were the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Inspector General of Police Abasi Byakagaba, Ethics and Integrity Minister Rose Lilly Akello, Fisheries Minister Christine Ondoa, Kasule Lumumba, and Rose Namayanja, among others.
Vice President Alupo personally greeted Hajji Kirunda and one of the orphans, offering her condolences and support during this tragic time.
