The late Col. Anthony Kyakabale once a member of the National Resistance Army (NRA) was on Monday laid to rest at his ancestral home in Nyakarambi Village, Rwamucucu Sub-County, Rukiga District. His burial was conducted with full military honours, including a three-gun salute.

Kyakabale, who passed away in Sweden on October 5, 2025, was remembered for a distinguished career in both the military and politics, which stretched over 40 years.

A funeral Mass was held at Rushebeya Playground in Kitojo Parish, where Rev. Fr. Marius Byamukama, the parish priest of Kitanga, called upon national leaders to “focus on building positive legacies.” He also criticized the poor state of infrastructure in Rukiga, particularly highlighting the dilapidated Muhanga–Kisiizi–Kebisoni and Rushebeya–Murukiri–Butobere roads.

Maj. Gen. Ambrose Musinguzi, Chief of Staff in charge of Health Services in the UPDF, represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. In his remarks, he described Kyakabale as “a selfless and dedicated officer who served his country with distinction.”

Born on October 10, 1952, in Nyarurambi Village, Kyakabale studied at Kakatunda and Katungu Primary Schools before joining Mutorere Secondary School in Kisoro District. After completing his education, he worked as a teacher until 1979, when he enlisted in the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) under then-President Milton Obote.

In 1981, he abandoned Obote’s forces and joined Yoweri Museveni’s Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), which later became the NRA. Kyakabale fought in the Bush War that brought Museveni to power in 1986. During the conflict, he sustained injuries alongside Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde and received treatment in Nairobi before returning to active combat.

Throughout his military service, Kyakabale held several prominent positions, including Barracks and Stores Officer, Head of Combat Logistics, Court Martial Chairman, Brigade Commander in Kasese, and Operations Commander for the Second Division. He also played a role in the 1990–1994 Rwandan conflict that led to the fall of President Juvénal Habyarimana’s regime.

After developing disagreements with the government, Kyakabale went into exile from 2001 to 2015. During this period, he co-founded the People’s Redemption Army (PRA) alongside other former officers such as Col. Samson Mande and Col. Edison Muzoora.

Upon reconciling with the state in 2015, Kyakabale received amnesty from President Museveni, who elevated him to the rank of Colonel and formally retired him from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He was later appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Reconciliation, a role he held before returning to Sweden, where he resided until his death.