Lt Swadik Aroma Balewa, one of the pilots tragically lost in the Ntoroko helicopter crash, has been laid to rest in Arabanga village, Yumbe district. Mourners numbering in the thousands gathered to pay their respects to the 40-year-old Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Air Force pilot.
The burial ceremony took place three days after the crash, with the chief mourner being the Defence State Minister in charge of Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru Abason. Also present was UPDF Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, along with other officers from the Air Force department.
Aroma’s brother, Brahan Edoni, spoke on behalf of the family, highlighting the late pilot’s role as the family’s breadwinner and an advocate for education. Edoni urged the government to expedite processes for Aroma’s benefits to support the family, revealing that the pilot left behind 13 children and eight widows.
Yumbe district LC5 chairperson Abdulmutalib Asiku called for posthumous promotions for senior officers in the army from Yumbe, including Aroma, as a gesture of appreciation for the district’s support since 1986. Asiku also appealed for a permanent structure in Aroma’s home village to accommodate his family.
Aringa South MP Alioni Yokre Odria emphasized the importance of supporting Aroma’s orphans in education, suggesting that at least half of his children should receive educational assistance. Colleagues and officials described Aroma as a dedicated and committed individual who rose through the ranks since joining the UPDF in October 2006.
UPDF’s Chief of Personnel and Administration, Brig. Gen. James Kinalwa, penned a condolence message, hailing Aroma as a hero who died while defending the nation. Air Force Commander Okidi expressed disbelief at Aroma’s untimely death and praised his reliability and readiness for any task.
The tragic incident occurred when a UPDF Mi-28 attack chopper crashed in Ntoroko, claiming the lives of both pilots and a civilian, John Mukidi, whose house was struck by the crashing aircraft.
