Museveni decorates liberation war heroine who housed fighters

Maama Anna Maria Mukaluyinda Nakampi of Kijaguzo Parish, Semuto in Nakaseke district has been awarded with a Luwero triangle medal in appreciation of support and contribution to the NRA liberation struggle by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

Speaking shortly after the Thanksgiving Mass to celebrate the life and works of Maama Maria Nakampi at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish-Kijaguzo in Nakaseke district, President Museveni congratulated the celebrantfor making 80 years old and also thanked the AlmightyGod for giving her the gift of a long life.

Museveni who was accompanied by the First Daughter Natasha Museveni Karugire, gave a brief history of the struggle in the jungles of Luwero, said Nakampi and her connections played an important role in housing, feeding and doing reconnaissance for the then NRA combatants enabling them to trek at night to avoid police.

“At Kijaguzo we met Maama Anna who handed us to Senkaali (we nick named ‘Lt. Col.’ Senkaali. Theyplayed a big role in directing us hidden paths while we trekked at night dodging police officers in the town,”he said.

Museveni said that while at Kijaguzo they were given assistance in terms of housing, feeding, and doing reconnaissance for them and directing them to hidden routes among others. He appreciated them for their tremendous contribution and commended the residents of Kijaguzo for contributing towards the liberation struggle.

On his arrival, the President was first taken around St.Mary’s Catholic Parish-Kijaguzo next to the residenceof Maama Maria Mukaluyinda Nakampi were theyheld a private meeting with the celebrant.

In1981 the church housed (yamubudamya) H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and his mother Ms Esteri Kokundeka Nganzi, Hajji Moses Kigongo, Salim Saleh, Tumwineand other combatants.

Maama Anna Maria Mukaluyinda Nakampi gifted thePresident with a shield, an arrow and his portrait inremembrance of the liberation struggle while inKijaguzo Parish.

President Museveni pledged a bus for St. Denis S.S Kijaguzo and also pledged to tarmac more roads he also gave three SACCOs Shs. 20m each and urged the people to embrace the Parish Development Modelwhich will improve the standard of living forhouseholds.

Museveni cautioned Ugandans against destroyingswamps and wetlands which he said, help in keepingwater and sieving/filtering the water. He instructed theSubcounty chiefs, Parish Chiefs, Chief Accounting Officers (CAO) and Resident District Commissioners (RDC) to guide the people and protect the wetlands.

On the issue of land wrangles in Buganda and the Church land, the President pledged to ensure that it is settled. 

In her written speech Mzee Maria MukaluyindaNakampi urged Christians to serve God well whengiven a chance for He knows the right time to rewardyou.

She said you can’t escape God’s plan and she advisedpeople to be obedient to God’s call.

“Serving God is greater than all riches on the earth ama witness,” she said.

Celebration Mass was conducted by Msgr. Francis Xavier Mpanga the Diocese Administrator Kasana Luweero Diocese accompanied by Rev.Fr. Achilles K.Ssemakula, Rev.Fr. Francis Kasule and others.

Present at the event were; Hon. Alice Kaboyo Minister of State for Luwero triangle, Hon Lutamaguzi Ssemakula Paul MP Nakaseke South Constituency,Hon. Sarah Najjuma Woman MP Nakaseke district,Cpt. Kakooza Yahaya, RDC Nakaseke district, Muyambi Joseph Deputy RDC Nakaseke districtamong others.