The Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda has lost one of its best aviators, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba, who breathed his last on 22nd December 2025, at Nakasero hospital. His distinguished service to this country and sacrifice stands out whenever his name mentioned.
Due to persistent poor health issues, he had checked into Nakasero Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries and continued to be in and out of the hospital.
In 2023, the government sent him to India for a specialised medical check-up. He was scheduled to fly out for a follow-up review, but the visit was delayed.
Maj Babumba subsequently suffered a stroke, and never fully recovered from it.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency the President, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Inter-Religious Council, Dr. Kazimba Mugaru, Orthodox Bishop Mzee, Culture leaders, Pastor Bugembe, friends, doctors, and everyone who offered support, prayers, and care during this difficult period while he was in Nakasero Hospital,” said Margaret Kyarisiima, the widow to the deceased.
She defined him as a distinguished Ugandan aviator, senior military officer, educator, and sportsman whose life was defined by resilience, patriotism, and exceptional service across multiple fields.
Education background
Maj. Babumba received his early education at St. George’s Demonstration School, Ibanda, before joining Ntare School on merit in 1967 for both his O-Level and A-Level studies.
“At Ntare, he became widely known in the 1970s as an outstanding footballer and sportsman, representing the school and the Western Region, while also serving as Captain of Stanley House during his A-Level years under the mentorship of Mr. Kasiragi (RIP),” she said.
She adds that after completing A-Level, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba was recruited into the Uganda Air Force through a competitive aptitude process. As a sponsored pilot cadet, he was sent to the Frunze Military Academy in Russia, where he underwent five years of intensive training as both a combat and transport pilot.
He later qualified as a pilot and aircraft technician on the Antonov-26, a 74-tonne troop carrier aircraft.
“Upon returning to Uganda, he was deployed to the MiG-21 Squadron at Entebbe Air Base as a pilot trainee. However, due to escalating insecurity in 1977, he fled into exile in Kenya, where he registered as a refugee under number JRSK 3337.”
Life in exile
Kyarisiima added that while in exile, the Late Rtd. Maj. Babumba’s aviation career continued to flourish. With sponsorship from the United Nations Joint Refugee Services (JRS), he trained at Wilson Airport, where he earned both a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) and a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). This enabled him to work as a freelance pilot with Safari Air.
Concurrently, he taught Mathematics at Kennedy High School in Nairobi and played professional football for Gor Mahia FC, successfully balancing three demanding roles as a pilot, educator, and athlete. It was during this period that he met His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the late Christopher Kiyombo, and Kazora. These relationships later led him to work closely with the late Joy Mirembe, who served as a key indirect intelligence link to His Excellency the President, in support of the liberation struggle.
The widow added that before her former husband went into exile, he had played football for Ntare School (Western Region), Express FC, Simba FC, and the Uganda Youth National Team, further cementing his reputation as a gifted sportsman.
She added that following the 1979 war, the Late Rtd. Maj. Babumba returned to Uganda and undertook a War Officers’ Refresher Course in Jinja. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and redeployed to the Air Force as a pilot instructor, flying the SF-260 (202 Bravo) aircraft. He was later transferred to Army Headquarters, where he served as Director of Training.
“He subsequently attended a Junior Staff and Command Course at the Omdurman Military College in Sudan, completing the 13-month programme successfully. Upon his return, he was appointed Acting Chief of Operations and Training, replacing Major General Zed Maruru,” she said.
As conflict intensified in northern Uganda, he was deployed as Commanding Officer of the 10th Battalion, and later served as Commanding Officer of the 21st Battalion in Mbale.
“He was later reassigned to the Air Force and attended the Senior Command and Staff College in China. Upon completion, he was deployed to Eastern Uganda as a Brigade Major.”
Presidential pardon granted
While on duty in Morukakere, South Karamoja, the Late Rtd. Maj. Babumba survived a deadly ambush, a planned attack orchestrated by some colleagues who opposed his presidential appointment. Although the ambush failed, he was falsely accused and detained at Luzira on charges of aggravated and unverified offenses.
Through the intervention of the President, he was granted release; however, the Late Maj. Babumba insisted on remaining in Luzira to serve the full duration of his sentence, demonstrating his integrity and sense of accountability. The injustice of these wrongful allegations deeply frustrated him and ultimately prompted his decision to retire from active military service.
“Later, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba survived another assassination attempt when the Late Musinguzi Kafire used an ISO vehicle to attack him at Abiatata Babila,” said Kyarisiima.
Although he survived, the accident severely injured his legs and caused lasting damage, fundamentally altering the course of his life. This tragic event marked the onset of his social and economic decline.
Re-deployment
In 2014, on the advice of Gen. Salim Saleh, he was re-verified by the then Chief of Defence Forces, the late Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, alongside Gen. Jeje Odongo, current Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, former Minister of Defence, and current Chancellor, Makerere University.
Following this verification, he was offered a contract on merit by the Ministry of Defence as a Senior Pilot and Ground Instructor at the Uganda Air Force College, Nakasongola, where he served with dedication until his passing.
“When the President learned of his salary, he personally advised that it be revised; this adjustment was implemented for one month only, but due to his declining health, the contract was not renewed, marking the final chapter of his distinguished service,” said the widow.
The family will guide the public on burial arrangements after consultation with the concerned parties, in accordance with his will.
“The life of the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba stands as a lasting testament to courage, loyalty, and selfless service, spanning aviation, military leadership, education, sport, and national liberation.”
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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