Gen.Saleh at 65 was a platform for Charity, get-togethers, and a Reconciliation stage.
On Monday evening of January,13th,2025 by 9:30 PM major hotels, in Gulu City like Acholi Inn, Bomah Hotel, Churchills Courts Hotel, and others were fully booked as government officials, investors, and foreign dignitaries who are friends of Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho also known as Salim Saleh the Chief Operation Wealth Creation Commander flocked Gulu to celebrate his birthday on Tuesday,14th January 2025.
Gen. David Muhoozi, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs described Gen Salim Saleh as a champion of soft power.
“He is known as an entrepreneur, and philanthropist, but above all, his greatest credential is soft power”. The former UPDF Chief of Defence Forces said.
Gen. Muhoozi also narrated many stories about how Gen. Salim Saleh won many battles without the use of guns, thanked the good General for having saved many lives, and ushered in peace without force.
Col. Nkojo James, the Military Aide to Gen. Salim Saleh also read the message of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF who appreciated his uncle and announced that Gen. Saleh should know that he is very important to his life and wished him many years and good health.
“General Saleh, on behalf of all the officers and men of the mighty UPDF, I wish you a very happy 65th birthday. For us in the UPDF, you remain the most perfect example of courage, military brilliance, and sacrifice. We thank Almighty God for your heroic life of service to Uganda and Africa. You remain without a doubt one of the greatest heroes of our army and nation. For me, this day has extra significance. I am especially blessed that you are my beloved uncle. A great man that I have always looked up to. Thank you for teaching me what true love of country, service, dedication, and leadership means. God grants you abundant joy, good health, continued success, and another 65 years on His earth. God bless you and happy birthday Afande”.
Gen. Saleh at 65 was a Platform for Charity.
Norbert Mao, the Democratic Party President General and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs who was the chairperson organising committee of the birthday said Gen. Salim Saleh accepted for the birthday party under one condition that the organising committee shall not take money from anybody to support organising the party but rather use the party to fundraise money towards the construction of decent accommodation and setting the scientific farm for the Litte Sister of Mary Immaculate Congregation of Gulu amounting to over UGX 1 billion.
During the birthday celebration from his residence in Layibi-Bardege home, about UGX 1.6 billion was fundraised catering for the demand of the Little Sister of Mary Immaculate of Gulu who gave the good General a bible and a rosary as their gift.
Gen. Saleh at 65 was also a get-together event for many of the guests.
Both active and retired army officers were able to meet and chat during the birthday celebration of Gen. Salim Saleh. This brought fresh military war and operation memory as they laughed and shared stories of involvement in liberating Uganda from its enemies.
Some of the officers said they felt like jumping out of their cars and walking the street of Gulu with street lighting which is a true definition of peace since as young soldiers 20 years ago, was a different story.
The staff of Operation Wealth Creation also got the opportunity to get together and interface with the public.
Gen. Salim Saleh’s family and children who work in different parts of the world were able to meet and thank their father for his dedication to Uganda. They also told the people of northern Uganda that as a family, they are okay with their father working for Uganda from Gulu.
Gen.Saleh at 65 was a reconciliation stage.
“Sir, I have no words, this is not a mere birthday celebration, my very good friend, Ojara Martin Mapenduzi greeting me here and sitting together with me at the same table is a big miracle”. Gen. Charles Otema Awany remarked when raised to speak by Gen. Salim Saleh.
“Saleh doesn’t believe in killing his enemies, if we have 10 people like you, we shall have a better Uganda forever”. Gen Otema roared.
This emotional speech by Gen Charles Otema Awany, the commander of the UPDF Reserve Force comes from the rhetorics that he is rumoured to be harbouring a political ambition of contesting in Layibi-Bardge division in Gulu City in 2026 where currently Ojara Martin Mapenduzi is still the member of parliament who has signed MOU with the NRM party.
The two in a show of reconciliation greeted each other and the birthday boy (Gen. Salim Saleh remarked that ‘it is the moment he has ever been waiting for the two people’.
Away from Gen. Otema and Ojara Martin Mapenduzi, Retired General, Henry Tumukunde who was Minister of Security and ran against President Yoweri Museveni in the 2021 elections on an independent ticket was also among the jolly guests of Gen.Salim Saleh as he created numerous jokes of the bush life and was sitting with the top government officials.
Gen. Kale Kayihura who has been the Inspector General of Police and was recently facing the Military Court Martial until his case was dropped also sent an emotional video message to Gen.Salim Saleh. The message was televised to the guests and revealed in-depth support of the good general in his life.
“When the going gets tough, Gen. Saleh, you have always stood for me and other comrades, happy birthday”. Kale remarked.
Here is a UBC clip where Gen. Kale talks after his case dropped in August 2023.
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