KICWAMBA – Hon. Col. Rtd Stephen Basaliza Omudumuzi, alongside his family and grandchildren, visited Uganda Technical College (UTC) Kicwamba to pay tribute to the students who perished in the 1998 massacre orchestrated by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The retired colonel laid a wreath in memory of the fallen students, emphasizing the importance of educating the younger generation about the region’s painful history and the government’s efforts in restoring peace.
This year’s visit not only served as a moment of remembrance but also as an opportunity to reflect on the atrocities committed by the ADF in the Rwenzori region. Hon. Basaliza commended the government for its decisive actions in eliminating the ADF insurgency and fostering stability in the area.
The first memorial event for the massacre was organized in 2002 by then Kabarole Members of Parliament, coordinated by Hon. Stephen Basaliza, who was the Burahya County MP at the time. The event drew high-profile attendees, including the then National Political Commissar and Minister without Portfolio, who served as the chief mourner.
Transforming UTC Kicwamba
Hon. Basaliza, who now serves as a commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), praised the government for rehabilitating UTC Kicwamba to a high standard.
The improvements include enhanced infrastructure, better staffing, and the installation of a permanent UPDF detachment to ensure the college’s security.
“The college is now well-equipped and secure, a stark contrast to the devastation of 1998. This progress reflects the stability and security that our country has achieved over the years,” Hon. Basaliza noted.
He further urged the government to consider upgrading the institution to university status, enabling it to award degrees. Such an upgrade, he argued, would honor the memory of the fallen students while contributing to the region’s socio-economic development.
A History of Pain and Resilience
The 1998 attack on UTC Kicwamba saw over 80 students killed and several others abducted by the ADF, leaving the nation in shock.
The tragedy became a rallying point for the government to intensify efforts to combat insurgency in the Rwenzori region.
Over the years, peace has been restored, allowing communities to rebuild and institutions like UTC Kicwamba to thrive once again.
As the country reflects on this dark chapter, Hon. Basaliza’s visit serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Ugandan people and the importance of preserving history for future generations.
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