FAMReports News Desk | January 2026
Uganda is mourning the passing of Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba, a distinguished aviator, senior military officer, educator and sportsman whose life reflected rare commitment to service, personal sacrifice and national duty. He passed away peacefully on 22 December 2025 after a prolonged illness, marking the end of a life that quietly shaped Uganda’s military, aviation and liberation history.
Born with a passion for excellence, the late Rtd. Maj. Babumba received his early education at St. George’s Demonstration School in Ibanda before joining Ntare School on merit in 1967. At Ntare, he emerged in the 1970s as an outstanding footballer and all-round sportsman, representing both the school and the Western Region. He later served as Captain of Stanley House during his A-Level years under the mentorship of the late Mr. Kasiragi.
Following his A-Level education, Babumba was competitively recruited into the Uganda Air Force, where his aptitude earned him sponsorship to the Frunze Military Academy in Russia. Over five intensive years, he trained as both a combat and transport pilot and later qualified as an aircraft technician on the Antonov-26, a heavy troop carrier aircraft.
On his return to Uganda, he was deployed to the MiG-21 Squadron at Entebbe Air Base. However, escalating insecurity in 1977 forced him into exile in Kenya, where he registered as a refugee. Despite displacement, his resilience prevailed. With support from the United Nations Joint Refugee Services, he trained at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, earning both Private and Commercial Pilot Licences. This enabled him to work as a freelance pilot with Safari Air.
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During this period, Babumba demonstrated exceptional versatility, teaching Mathematics at Kennedy High School while also playing professional football for Gor Mahia FC. He successfully balanced aviation, education and professional sport, a testament to discipline and determination.
Beyond professional pursuits, the late officer played a quiet but significant role during the NRA liberation struggle. At a time when Hon. Sam Kutesa was in exile, Babumba selflessly served as caretaker to his family, including Charlotte Kainerugaba, now wife to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as well as Hon. Ishta Asiimwe Kutesa, Elizabeth Kutesa and Inga Kutesa. This responsibility reflected deep loyalty and sacrifice, often unseen but profoundly impactful.
It was also during exile that he interacted with H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the late Christopher Kiyombo and Kazora, connections that later placed him within the wider liberation support network. His collaboration with the late Joy Milembe, an indirect intelligence link to the President, further underscored his behind-the-scenes contribution.
Following the 1979 war, Babumba returned to Uganda, undertook a War Officers’ Refresher Course in Jinja, and was promoted to Captain. He served as a pilot instructor on the SF-260 aircraft, later becoming Director of Training at Army Headquarters.
His career progressed through senior command roles, including Acting Chief of Operations and Training, Battalion Commander in northern and eastern Uganda, and later Brigade Major after completing a Senior Command and Staff Course in China.
Despite his service, Babumba endured profound injustice. He survived a planned ambush in Karamoja, wrongful accusations, and detention at Lubiri and Luzira. Although released through presidential intervention, he chose to complete his sentence, demonstrating rare integrity and accountability. This episode deeply affected him and ultimately led to his retirement.
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He later survived another assassination attempt that left him permanently injured, triggering years of social and economic hardship. In 2014, following re-verification by senior military leadership, he was re-engaged by the Ministry of Defence as a Senior Pilot and Instructor at Nakasongola Air Force College, where he served until illness intervened.
In 2023, government facilitated his treatment abroad. Despite continued care, his health deteriorated, leading to his passing in 2025.
The family has extended gratitude to H.E. the President, the UPDF, religious leaders, medical personnel and well-wishers for their unwavering support.
Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba’s life stands as a powerful reminder that service is not measured by rank, but by integrity, sacrifice and devotion to country.
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