By Alexander Mackey Okori
“Out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind”. This common idiom mirrors how fresh memories, emotions, and connections of late Col. David Byaruhanga are in the hearts and minds of the people of Kotido district and the entire Karamoja sub-region.
Col. Byaruhanga, died on 21st of March, this year at Nakasero Hospital, where he was rushed for treatment.
He was then laid to rest on 24th, March, 2025 at his ancestral home in Kiryandongo District.
His burial was attended by hundreds of mourners including the Karachuna and leaders from Kotido District and other parts of Karamoja sub-region.
Though a number of Karachuna and leaders from Karamoja attended the burial, Rt. Rev. Fr. Dominic Eibu the Bishop of Bishop of the Diocese of Kotido and other clergymen were unable to attend since they had a prayer treat.
It’s for this reason that the Diocese on Thursday 10th, of April this year, held a Memorial Mass at Good Shepherded to celebrate his life and legacy.
The Mass attended by hundreds of faithful and led by Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kotido, immersed in tradition and faith, brought together the army, friends, and community members to pay their respects and offer prayers for the deceased.
During the mass, scripture readings and prayers were offered, reflecting on the deceased’s life and faith.
The memorial mass provided a sense of comfort and support for those grieving, reminding them that they are not alone in their sorrow.
It was a beautiful tribute to the deceased, celebrating his life and the impact he had on those around him.
Through prayer and reflection, the memorial mass honored the memory of the deceased, offering a sense of peace and closure for his relatives, friends and family.
Tears and songs of worship and eulogies dominated the day with his portrait placed in front of the alter.
The Eucharistic celebration was a central part of the ceremony, with the congregation coming together to receive communion.
Major Apollo Ocen Okune, who represented the 405 Brigade Commander Col. Guston Mugarura during the Memorial Mass told the faithful that the UPDF was attacked by a militia group operating in Kivu Province but the UPDF repulsed the attack.
Unfortunately, he said, during a cordon and search operation, the enemy made a surprise assault injuring the commander and two others.
According to Maj. Okune, Col. Byaruhanga and other officers were evacuated to Nakasero Hospital in Uganda from where he succumbed to gunshot wounds inflicted by the enemy.
Col. Guston Mugarura in his condolence message read by Maj. Okune, described the late as a man who loved peace and will always be remembered for his dedicated service and sacrifice he made to pacify Uganda.
Col. Mugarura said the death of Col. Byaruhanga was difficult to come to terms with for family, friends, the UPDF fraternity and the country at large, as he was a beacon of peace.
A life of love and service.
The clergy, political leaders and the locals alike prayed as they celebrated a man described as unifier and peace ambassador.
“Col. Byaruhanga was more than a friend to me, before his death I called him when I was in Adjumani district and he told me not to comeback to Kotido without meeting him”, said Bishop Eibu.
“He was a devoted Christian who put God at the center stage of his life, he was a unifying factor in Karamoja. The relative peace Karamoja especially Kotido is enjoying is as a result of Col. Byaruhanga’s efforts as 405 Commander”, he added.
According to Bishop Eibu, he was a wonderful man who was committed to his faith and God, loved everyone he met and loved peace.
“The take home message from he is that we the people of Kotido and Karamoja sub region at large must continue praying for peace, if we don’t do that then we would not have honored this great son of Uganda whose portrait you’re seeing in front of the alter”, he advised.
He said Col. Byaruhanga will be remembered for two things, his commitment to God and changing the UPDF strategy from forceful disarmament to voluntary which led to the current peace in Karamoja.
“Col. Byaruhanga was a distinguished refined hardworking army officer, who was an ambassador of peace in Karamoja and he also build a strong relationship with the leadership and local communities” Bishop Eibu reminisced.
In loving memory.
Rev. Fr. Raphael Lobeeri, said that the deceased has left an illustrious legacy that the other men and women in uniform and locals alike should celebrate and seek to emulate.
“He may be gone; his memory will fade. But we should honor him and celebrate his legacy by sharing his stories and celebrating the accomplishments he made in his journey here on earth and above all keep his memory alive in our hearts”, he added.
According him, the Bible reminds us that the legacy of a person lives on through the lives he or she has touched.
Fr. Lobeeri added: “As we know, Col. Byaruhanga loved and served Jesus with all his heart and all his strength, and like Jesus, he loved his brothers and sisters ‘to the end,’ with a special love for those who are often forgotten and those who live on society’s margins. We continue to pray for his eternal repose and especially we know that he has received the eternal reward. He’s in heaven as a saint of peace. So, let’s keep praying for him, for his family, and for all of us. And let’s start going to his intercession for our needs.”
Facts About Col. Byaruhanga
Late David Byaruhanga was born on 6th of January, 1972, a year Uganda gained her Independence from Britain.
He joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1982 as “Kadogo” which literally means small boy.
Col. Byaruhanga was then commissioned as army officer in 1989.
He first came to Karamoja sub region in 1991 and he then climbed into various ranks of the UPDF.
He became 405 Brigade Commander in May, 2023 an assignment he held until December 24, 2024 when he was reassigned to the 501 Infantry Brigade based at Palaro Army Barracks under the 4th Infantry Division.
On March, this year, he took over command of the 409 Brigade in Bondo from Col. Nathan Bainomugisha, who in turn, assumed leadership of the 501 Brigade in Palaro, Amudat district.
He was then deployed to Kivu region in North East Democratic Republic of Congo on a peace mission where he met his death.
Col. Byaruhanga attended various military trainings and because of his hard work and discipline, he went through different ranks with the highest being Colonel.
By the time of his death, he had vast military combat experience spanning over three decades.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through your mercy, rest in peace.”
