Life After Power; How Museveni's Top Bush War General Spent His Final Years
General Elly Tumwine, a celebrated yet polarizing figure in Uganda’s military and political history, left behind a complex legacy after his retirement and passing. Known for his unwavering loyalty to President Yoweri Museveni and his key role in the National Resistance Army (NRA) struggle, Tumwine’s journey was marked by both heroism and controversy.
Born in 1954 in Mbarara, Tumwine initially pursued a passion for fine art and education, earning a degree in Fine Arts from Makerere University before transitioning to military service. His military career began in 1978 when he joined the resistance against Idi Amin under the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA). He later became a founding member of Museveni’s NRA rebellion.
A defining moment in his career came in 1981 when Tumwine is credited with firing the "first shot" in the NRA’s bush war, a symbolic act in the eventual overthrow of Milton Obote’s government in 1986. During the conflict, he sustained injuries that cost him an eye, leading to his signature look—often seen wearing dark sunglasses.
Tumwine served as Uganda’s Army Commander from 1984 to 1987 and held various high-ranking positions thereafter, including Minister of State for Defence, Director General of the External Security Organization (ESO), and Security Minister. For over three decades, he represented the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Parliament.
Beyond his military career, Tumwine left a lasting artistic mark—designing the UPDF flag, emblem, and camouflage uniforms, blending his creative skills with his service to the nation.
However, his legacy was not without controversy. As Security Minister during the 2020 election protests, Tumwine faced criticism for justifying the military’s use of force, stating that security forces "had the right to shoot" when dealing with violent demonstrators. His remarks sparked outrage, especially amid reports of civilian deaths during the protests.
In his later years, Tumwine focused on art, music, and cultural promotion. He founded The Creations Limited, an enterprise dedicated to Uganda’s arts and crafts industry, and composed songs in his native Runyankore language, demonstrating his enduring passion for creativity.
Gen. Tumwine passed away in August 2022 after battling lung cancer. His death evoked mixed reactions—President Museveni and older generations honored him as a patriot, while younger Ugandans viewed him as part of a fading era of "bush war" dominance.
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/salute-to-uganda-general-elly-tumwine-3928226
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