President Yoweri Museveni paid tribute to the late freedom fighter Perez Musamali for his role in Uganda's liberation struggle, acknowledging his contributions during a memorial service held at Matuwa Primary School in Namisindwa District.
“I’m very happy that you remembered Musamali and invited me to honor his contribution,” Museveni said at the ceremony.
Perez Musamali, who served as the Chairman of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM) in Greater Mbale, played a significant role in the political resistance that eventually led to the National Resistance Movement (NRM)'s victory. UPM, a political party founded by President Museveni in 1980, was integral in opposing the oppressive regimes of the time.
Museveni shared that his first encounter with Musamali occurred during peace talks in Nairobi, Kenya. “I had not met him before he went into exile, but during the peace talks in Nairobi, I met him. He told me how he had been organizing resistance activities in Mt. Elgon,” the President recalled.
After the National Resistance Army (NRA) came to power in 1986, Musamali was appointed to the National Resistance Council (NRC), a precursor to Uganda's current parliament. “He was part of the original 32 members of the NRC, which was formed by nominations from the NRM leadership,” Museveni said, adding that Musamali's appointment reflected his dedication to the liberation cause.
Tragically, Musamali’s life was cut short in 1987 when he was killed by rebels from the Force Obote Back Again (FOBA) movement while returning from Kenya. Museveni expressed sorrow at the loss of Musamali, describing him as a loyal comrade.
The President also highlighted the government’s efforts to support the families of fallen freedom fighters through State House scholarships, a program designed to ensure that orphans receive quality education. “We had a simple plan for supporting the families of our people by educating the orphans, which is why I introduced the State House scholarships. Some people criticized it, but I knew these orphans, and it was our duty to support them,” Museveni said.
During the ceremony, the President also took the opportunity to remind Ugandans about the core goals of the NRA struggle—securing peace and promoting development. “The aim was to ensure security for all Ugandans, unlike before when people had to flee into exile,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, and healthcare, as essential components of the country's development.
Museveni urged residents of the Bugisu sub-region to embrace commercial agriculture using the "four-acre model," advising them to grow cash crops like coffee, fruits, and food crops, while also venturing into livestock farming. He further warned against land fragmentation, encouraging families to establish income-generating enterprises instead of subdividing land.
Cultural and political leaders also paid their respects to Musamali. The Umukuka of the Bamasaba Cultural Institution, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, requested the President to establish a memorial for the fallen heroes of the region. Additionally, Bubulo East Member of Parliament John Musila thanked Museveni for granting Namisindwa district status in 2017, bringing essential services closer to the local population.
Perez Musamali’s legacy as a committed patriot and a symbol of Uganda's struggle for freedom continues to resonate in the nation’s history. His life, though tragically short, remains a testament to the sacrifices made for the liberation of Uganda.
