The Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga has described the late General Aronda Nyakairima as a person of integrity and humility and one who listened to everyone and yet only spoke after ascertaining the facts.

Kadaga who was commiserating with the family and mourners at the Aronda family residence in Buziga, said she was in disbelief when she got word of the incident. Kadaga praised the fallen Internal Affairs Minister for his work on the colossal National Identity Card project that had faced a lot of opposition in Parliament.

She further described Gen. Aronda as a distinguished officer who had served diligently in the previous Parliaments. Kadaga inferred to the mourners that the greater family of Gen. Aronda was the people of Uganda, because he had treated all people equally, regardless of whether they were civilian or military.

Maj. Gen (Rtd) Henry Tumukunde, who presided over the night mass as Master of Ceremonies, expressed his gratitude to the Speaker, and the public at large for the support that had been extended to the family following the tragedy.

The Speaker informed the mourners that a special parliamentary sitting had been called for Thursday 17th September 2015 to honour the late Gen Aronda Nyakairima.

A Statement by Prime Minister RT Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda made earlier read:
12 September 2015:

“We have today learnt, with great sadness, of the sudden death of Hon Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the Minister of Internal Affairs. General Aronda Nyakairima was returning from South Korea, on official duties, transiting through Dubai.  The cause of his death is not yet known. His family has been informed. Government has set up a task force, led by Defence Minister, Hon Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to this tragedy. A team of doctors–pathologists—is also being sent to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to assist with the post-mortem and the repatriation of the body.

We will keep the country informed of any further details. General Aronda Nyakairima, who also served the country as Chief of Defence Forces, was a dedicated servant of the people of Uganda and his death is a tragic and huge loss to the country. We extend our deep condolences to the family and friends of General Aronda during this most trying period, and pray that the Almighty God comforts them,”