As we count down to the NRA Liberation Day on January 26th, let’s recognize the key players who fought alongside President Yoweri Museveni in the National Resistance Army (NRA).
Gertrude Nannyunja Njuba the wife of Sam Kalega Njuba, a seasoned Ugandan politician. Sam Kalega Njuba has had a long and distinguished career in Ugandan politics, serving in various roles, including as a member of parliament and minister.
Gertrude Njuba’s connection to the NRA liberation struggle is through her own involvement as a supporter and mobilizer for the movement. Her husband, Sam Kalega Njuba, was also a key figure in the NRA and served as a minister in the NRM government after the liberation, her contributions to the NRA and Uganda’s liberation struggle are well-documented.
As a key figure in the NRA, Njuba held the rank of Captain and was known for her bravery and leadership on the battlefield. She was one of the first women to undergo military training and played a significant role in recruiting other women to join the liberation struggle.
After the NRA’s victory, Njuba went on to serve in various positions in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, including as a member of parliament and presidential advisor. She has received several national medals of honor for her service to Uganda, including the Order of the Nile, the Order of the Pearl of Africa, and the Golden Jubilee Medals.
Let’s shed light on some of the lesser-known key players in the NRA liberation struggle whom TV10 will be bringing you one by one as we count down the four days to the event:
Heroes
- Yoweri Museveni: The leader of the NRA and current President of Uganda, who spearheaded the liberation movement.
- Salim Saleh: A skilled NRA commander and Museveni’s brother, who played a key role in the bush war.
- Steven Kashaka: An NRA commander who led several successful battles against the UNLA.
- Jim Muhwezi: A skilled NRA fighter who contributed to the capture of key territories.
- Aronda Nyakairima: A former NRA commander who played a crucial role in the bush war.
- Joram Mugume: A skilled NRA fighter who contributed significantly to the capture of key towns.
- Amanya Mushega: A senior NRA officer who helped mobilize support for the rebellion.
- Kahinda Otafiire: A former NRA combatant who played a key role in the liberation struggle.
Heroines
- Gertrude Njuba: A female NRA commander and wife of Sam Kalega Njuba, who played a crucial role in the bush war.
- Janet Museveni: The wife of Yoweri Museveni and current First Lady of Uganda, who supported the NRA movement and cared for the welfare of the fighters.
- Miria Matembe: A former NRA combatant and politician, who fought alongside the men and later became a prominent figure in Ugandan politics.
- Rhoda Kalema: A former NRA combatant and politician, who played a key role in the liberation struggle and later became a member of parliament.
These individuals, among many others, risked their lives to fight for Uganda’s freedom and liberation. Their bravery and sacrifices will be remembered and celebrated on NRA Liberation Day.
These individuals, though lesser-known, played vital roles in the NRA’s fight for liberation. Their contributions should be recognized and celebrated as part of Uganda’s history.
