Fresh from his exile and presidential pardon, Col. Samson Mande has praised President Yoweri Museveni for being the best commander on the front line and administration.
He also lauded Al-hajji Moses Kigongo as the best negotiator of peace.
Col Mande was speaking at the thanksgiving ceremony in his honor at the Voice Mall along Entebbe Road on Saturday.
He praised Geneal Yoweri Museveni for being a good commander and administrator that made the Bush war (1981-6) end in a record time of five years.
The thanks giving ceremony was facilitated and organised by NRM diehard supporter and city businesswoman Ms Goodra Tumusiime Behakanira of Avemar Group.
Ms Goodra Behakanira, a great friend of Col Mande said President Museveni has a golden heart of forgiveness far beyond human being.
“All that I have acquired is because of peace ushered in by President Museveni under his NRM government,” she said.
“If you want me to live more forty or fifty years more let all of you here do me a favour and vote President Museveni come January presidential elections because of his selfishness to transform society and his golden heart of forgiveness even to those that have sinned against him,” Col. Samson Mande said.
Fr Kakuru preached about reconciliation and blamed most Ugandans for taking it for granted. “Let us reconcile, forgive and live in harmony with one another,” he said.
Col Mande also praised Al-hajji Moses Kigongo for selling all his properties including buses to finance the war and being a bridge between NRM/NRA fighters who were predominantly Banyankole/ Bakiga and Baganda who were the host because we were fighting on Buganda soil.
He described him as unsung hero who refused to go to external wing but proffered to remain with them in the Bush.
Col. Mande hailed Goodra Behakanira for being a true and loyal friend for such a long time.
Speaking at the same function Minister of ICT and National Guidance Hon. Chris Baryomunsi thanked President Museveni for being a reconciliatory leader describing him as God sent. Just like Baryomunsi, col Mande also hails from Kanungu District.
Maj. Rubaramira Ruranga an HIV activist and Bush war hero also attended the thanksgiving
Also in attendance was Hajjat Faridah Nambi (NRM Flag Bearer for Kawempe North MP seat 2026) and daughter of Al-Hajji Moses Kigongo as well as her mother, Dr Francis Runumi former Kabale District Council Chairman and Ministry of Health Commissioner, Mrs Donat Kananura, Hon. Steven Bamwanga, Senior government officials, Army and Police officers.