UPDF explains death of Brig. Kankiriho
The widow, Ms Deborah Kankiriho (R), and their children at All Saints Church in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY RACHEL MABALA.
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Deputy chief of medical services says the Brigadier suffered from liver and heart complications.
KAMPALA
The army yesterday told mourners that Brig. Patrick Kankiriho died from multiple organ failure. Addressing mourners during a requiem mass at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala, Col. Ambrose Musinguzi, the UPDF deputy chief of medical services, said Brig. Kankiriho had suffered from liver and heart complications for three years. “He went to Nairobi and India for treatment and was planning to go to Nairobi in May for check-up,” Col. Musinguzi said.
The UPDF Second Division commander died on Monday at Nakasero Hospital after developing breathing complications and chest pain.
Senior army officers and Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga praised Brig. Kankiriho as a disciplined and fearless commander. “From 1986 when we captured power to 2006, I didn’t hear of Kankiriho staying at home. He participated in all counter-insurgency operations and in all, he emerged the best,” Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the Chief of Defence Forces, said.
The widow, Ms Deborah Kyokunda, described her late husband as a “patriot”, who was committed to serving the country than spending time with his family. Lt. Col. Grace Agaba, his childhood friend, narrated how they escaped from Mbarara High school to join the NRA in 1981.
The late officer died at 52 and is survived by four children. He will be buried today at his home in Burimbi, Kiruhura District.
