Published on 05/07/2024
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni fondly remembered Alija Latim as a steadfast patriot whose contributions to Uganda were monumental. In his tribute, President Museveni highlighted Latim’s unwavering dedication and significant impact on the nation, emphasizing his role in shaping Uganda’s history.
“It’s a shame that people who have made a great contribution and difference in this country in their lives were killed needlessly by useless leaders,” the President said.
President Museveni made the remarks on Thursday 4th July, 2024, while meeting members of the family of the late Latim at State House, Entebbe.
The delegation was led by the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong.
Other members of the delegation included Mr. Alex Latim and his wife Mrs. Meraj Latim, Mr. Omwony Oscar Otema, Ms. Sylvia Latim, Mr. Odoch Simon Isingoma, Mr. Anywar Richard Latim, Mr. Ekinu Martin and Ms. Vicky Laker.
Just like President Museveni, the late Latim since his youthful days strongly opposed the sectarian ideology.
In his political journey, the late Latim who was a member of the Democratic Party (DP) served as the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly between 1964 and 1971 when Apollo Milton Obote’s government was toppled by Idi Amin.
The strong ties between the family of Latim and President Museveni were concretized in 1980 when the President went to the Northern region to launch the new party he had founded; Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM).
During that time, President Museveni pledged to support the family to rebuild their farm and the estate that the late left behind.
The late Latim was brutally murdered by Amin soldiers on his farm in Lolim, Nwoya district in 1979.
