On Sunday, June 30, 2024, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Buwala village, Irongo subcounty, Luuka district, to say goodbye to Giladys Aliyinza. She was the wife of Faruk Kirunda, the deputy press secretary of the presidency.
Aliyinza died in a road accident last Thursday at Nawansega in Bukoova town council, Luuka district. Her political assistant also died in the accident and was buried the next day at Kirimwa in Luuka district.
The funeral was filled with heartfelt messages and eulogies from many important people from both local and central government. President Yoweri Museveni was represented by his Vice President, Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo.
Ugandan ministers, Busoga kingdom premier Dr. Joseph Muvawala, members of parliament, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies, local leaders, and religious figures, led by Bishop Moses Nhaimane Mukembo of the Busoga diocese, attended the funeral to support Faruk Kirunda.
Vice President Alupo delivered President Museveni’s condolence message. She expressed deep sympathy to Hajji Kirunda’s family for losing someone so important, describing Aliyinza as a mother. Aliyinza, known as “Mama Mandela,” was a 30-year-old mother of three children and was planning to run for the position of woman member of parliament for Luuka district.
“I was saddened by the news of Giladys Aliyinza’s untimely death. On behalf of the government, the NRM party, and myself, I offer my condolences to Hajji Faruk Kirunda. May the beautiful memories you shared with Giladys stay in your thoughts forever,” Alupo read from Museveni’s message.
She added, “The NRM party has lost a loyal member and a great mobilizer. I commend Hajji Kirunda for his dedicated service. The NRM is a big family, and you can count on everyone’s support during this difficult time.”
President Museveni not only managed the funeral arrangements but also contributed 10 million shillings in grief. RDCs across the country donated 13 million shillings, and the Vice President added 3 million shillings in condolence.
Presidency Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda praised Kirunda for his dedication in his role as press secretary, a position he has held for over a decade.
“I want to thank all the ministers in this country for supporting our colleague Kirunda Faruk. Your generous contributions will be delivered to him at the right time. Thank you for recognizing the importance of our Busoga son in this country,” Babalanda said.
After the funeral, the grieving family announced that Annet Nabirye would replace her late sister Aliyinza as the candidate for Luuka woman MP.
