By Frank Kamuntu
Kampala: Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in less than a month has lost two officers including Gen Kasirye Ggwanga and Brigadier General Jackson Tushabe Bell who has passed on today morning according to deputy UPDF Spokesperson Lt Col Deo Akiiki.
Brig. Gen. Jackson ‘Bell’ Tushabe, breathed his last at Nakasero Hospital in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, June 30 2020 where he has been battling with multiple organ failureÂ
Bell who joined NRA rebels led by Yoweri Museveni in 1982 under number R0079 is well known as daredevil Solidier who belonged to category of commanders like late Jet Mwebaze, late Stanley Muhangi, late Col. Patrick Lumumba and Brig. Matayo Kyaligonza.
According to the NRA war analysts, this group of fighters was responsible for urban terrorism by staging several ambushes shortly after the attack on Kabamba as a diversionary tactic to divert attention from Museveni’s group which was only about 50 men.
The group that started their work with only an SMG rifle and a pistol had in a few months carried out raids on various police stations in Kampala and its surroundings and got several guns.
Brig. Bell has served in different UPDF positions which includes fourth division commander Gulu, third division in Mbale and second division in Mbarara but since the early 1990s, he has not been deployed prompting him to retreat to his home in Ggaba where he joined fishing.
Brig. Gen. Bell as a Football Fan.
The army officer has been renowned for his love of football and his selfless contributions to the development of Ugandan football league hence serving as the Fufa Vice President of competitions.
Bell also served as Chairman of Super Division Clubs Association [SDCA 2005-2009], and Chairman of Security Committee for Cecafa 2012 hosted in Kampala.”
Ggaba helped in the formation of Victors FC in 2001 and the club earned a Ugandan Premier League promotion in 2005.
Victors had a taste of continental football when they played and lost to CAPS United in the preliminary round of the Caf Confederation Cup in 2009.
The club earned a second slot to represent the country in the Confederation Cup in 2011 but their journey was cut short when they lost to DC Motema Pembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
