President Museveni, political leaders, and members of the public have paid tribute to Retired Col Jack Mucunguzi, one of the 27 founding members of the National Resistance Army (NRA), who died on Sunday.
Col Jack Mucunguzi was one of the few surviving original members of the 27 NRA rebels who attacked Kabamba barracks and he also commanded Section 4 of the nucleus of NRA, according to Mr Museveni who led the group.
“I am saddened to hear that Jack Mucunguzi has passed away. He was one of the 27 who attacked Kabamba with me and he was the commander of Section 4 of the nucleus of the NRA. Condolences to his family and friends. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Museveni tweeted last evening.
According to reports, Mucunguzi passed away from liver cancer at the Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
With his passing, only seven of the 27 NRA guerilla war masters are still alive, including their leader, President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, when they used guerilla warfare to seize control of the State House over a five-year period.
Paul Kagame, the president of Rwanda, Brig. Andrew Lutaaya, Cols. Fred Mwesigye, George Mwesigwa, Charles Tumusiime Rutarago, and Brig. Julius Chihandae is some of the others who are still alive.
Thomas Tayebwa, the deputy speaker, tweeted on Sunday morning that he was “sad to learn of the death of Col. Jack Mucunguzi, one of the original 27 NRA fighters,” and that Col. (rtd) Mucunguzi had passed away. He was cheerful when I visited him in the hospital on Wednesday. We celebrate Afande’s enormous contribution to the struggle that liberated our country. Rest well Afande.”
“Heartfelt condolences to the family of Col. Jack Mucunguzi. He was a gem and an unsung hero. Apart from being one of the original 27 NRA fighters, Jack Mucunguzi designed the architecture for anti-smuggling at URA hence the increase in revenue collection. Farewell, my friend Jack.”