Legislators have described the Late Arua Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Abiriga, as a man who was loyal, honest and committed to his political party, the NRM.
Debating a motion moved by the Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, members said Hon. Abiriga was true to his word and never shied away from what he believed in.
The Prime Minister said Abiriga was a diligent leader and legislator who served his country with dedication and patriotism.
The special sitting of Parliament on Sunday, 10 June 2018 lasted three hours and saw a big attendance by both MPs and the public.
Rugunda described the legislator as a man who believed in peaceful co-existence and did not deserve the kind of brutal death that claimed his life.
“Only a few days ago, Abiriga came to my office to consult and we agreed to meet again, sadly the meeting will never take place,” said Rugunda.
Hon. Abiriga, together with his brother, a UPDF soldier, were murdered on their way home in Kawanda, Wakiso district on Friday evening.
Rugunda condemned the murder of Abiriga calling it an act of cowardice carried out by evil people who want to instil fear among the population.
“As President Museveni said, we shall hunt down the killers and they will be brought to justice. We assure the country that they will not succeed,” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition, Winfred Kiiza said that Abiriga’s love for his party and its leadership was evidenced in his constant adorning of yellow attires. She recollected the last moments she shared with Abiriga.
“I was with Abiriga during the State of the Nation Address [6 June 2018] and I remember him reckoning me to sit near him but I told him I could not because his yellow outfit was too much,” said Kiiza.
The LOP called on government to take a firm commitment to guarantee security of the people and their property. She noted that the recent murders, ranging from those of children, women, Muslim clerics as well as the Senior State Prosecutor, Joan Kagezi, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Andrew Felix Kaweesi and now Abiriga, continue to instil fear among the population.
Hon. Andrew Baryayanga (Ind., Kabale Municipality) asked Ugandans to emulate Abiriga’s unquestionable loyalty and principles.
“He was a household name in as far as NRM was concerned. I was in utter disbelief when I heard that Abiriga was killed and wondered who wanted such a man dead,” said Baryayanga.
He demanded that government produces reports and accountabilities for lives of Ugandans who have been brutally murdered and kidnapped.
Abiriga, a first time legislator, served on the committees of Defence and Internal Affairs and that of Human Rights.
Before joining Parliament, Abiriga served as Resident District Commissioner for Arua and Yume districts. Before that he served in the Uganda Army and the National Resistance Army, which was later renamed Uganda Peoples Defence Forces.
Abiriga is survived by a widow and nine children. He will be buried in Lukudu village in Rhino Camp Sub County, in Lower Madi on Monday 11 June 2018.
