.jpg)
Salutation: Men in Uniform
At Kazini Community Care Initiative Uganda (KCCIU), we extend our deepest gratitude and respect to the brave men and women in uniform — those who have served, continue to serve, and have sacrificed so much for the peace and stability of our nation. We recognize that behind every uniform is a story of courage, discipline, and commitment. These are the men and women who defend our borders, respond to crises, and uphold the values we hold dear as a country.
Our heartfelt salutation is extended under the leadership of President Kazini, whose unwavering vision has been rooted in honoring our service members — not just in words, but through action and opportunity.
We also salute Gen. Salim Saleh, whose dedication to the welfare of the families of fallen comrades has been instrumental in ensuring that their children — the Watoto Wajeshi — are not left behind, but rather lifted up through agriculture, skills training, and empowerment programs. At KCCIU, we believe that the duty to serve doesn’t end in the field — it continues in how we support and stand by our soldiers and their families. That is why our programs are tailored to create livelihoods, mental wellness support, and reintegration opportunities for veterans, widows, and children of soldiers.
We are committed to transforming gratitude into action, and respect into lasting impact. Because saluting our men in uniform means ensuring they, and their families, live with dignity.
Honoring Leadership and Legacy
Under the visionary of Kazini, KCCIU stands firmly for the cause of service members. His legacy — built on military service, resilience, and transformation — fuels our unwavering commitment to defend the dignity and livelihoods of our uniformed forces, both in active duty and beyond. We also recognize the profound contributions of Gen. Salim Saleh, a true champion for the welfare of soldiers and their families. His initiatives to uplift the lives of the children of fallen soldiers (Watoto yajeshi) through agriculture and economic empowerment have inspired a national shift — turning sorrow into strength, and loss into opportunity.
Early Life & Military Rise - Major General James Bananukye Kazini (1957–2009)
Background
Born in 1957 in the Basongora (Musongora)
community of Kasese District; grew up in
Ssanga, Kiruhura District
reddit.com
+15
newvision.co.ug
+15
en.wikipedia.org
+15
.
Entered the military during the fallout
of Amin’s regime (late 1970s), initially
serving with the Uganda National Rescue
Front under Gen. Moses Ali
reddit.com
+6
newvision.co.ug
+6
eagle.co.ug
+6
.
Joined the National Resistance Army in
1984, starting as a private and quickly
rising through the ranks to captain by
1987, major by 1989, and lieutenant
colonel by 1991
en.wikipedia.org
.
Military Commands & Campaigns
Became Salim Saleh’s bodyguard and later
served as commanding officer across
several divisions, including Military
Police and mechanized units
newvision.co.ug
+2
newvision.co.ug
+2
en.wikipedia.org
+2
.
Fought against the ADF rebels in Western
Uganda and launched cross-border
operations into DR Congo, including
Operation Mountain Sweep and Operation
Safe Haven
news.bbc.co.uk
+6
newvision.co.ug
+6
newvision.co.ug
+6
.
Involved in the Kisangani clashes
between Ugandan and Rwandan forces in
1999–2000
newvision.co.ug
+3
newvision.co.ug
+3
military-history.fandom.com
+3
.
Leadership & Controversy
Appointed Army Commander and Chief of
Staff of the UPDF in 2001 and promoted
to Major General
en.wikipedia.org
+12
en.wikipedia.org
+12
newvision.co.ug
+12
.
Faced allegations of resource plundering
in Congo and creating phantom soldiers
(“ghosts”), prompting an inquiry and
court-martial
en.wikipedia.org
+5
newvision.co.ug
+5
news.bbc.co.uk
+5
.
Sentenced in 2008 to three years’
imprisonment (later appealed) for
incurring financial losses through ghost
soldiers; cases continued at the time of
his death
news.bbc.co.uk
+3
en.wikipedia.org
+3
newvision.co.ug
+3
.
Personal & Final Days
Known for his thick moustache, love of
jazz music (Afrigo Jazz Band), and
social life in Kampala
news.bbc.co.uk
+2
newvision.co.ug
+2
virunganews.com
+2
.
Tragically killed on 10 November 2009 in
Namuwongo, Kampala, during a domestic
dispute; his alleged partner was
arrested
watchdoguganda.com
+4
en.wikipedia.org
+4
military-history.fandom.com
+4
.
Left behind five children. His death
marked a dramatic end to a storied and
controversial military career
reddit.com
+2
en.wikipedia.org
+2
military-history.fandom.com
+2
.
Summary:
Major General Kazini was a fearless,
charismatic leader whose rise from rebel
soldier to Army Commander evidences his
loyalty and battlefield.
At KCCIU, we're here to walk with you. Whether you're a youth looking for support, a family in need, or a farmer seeking empowerment, our doors and hearts are open. Talk to us.
Special thanks to everyone who stood with us — especially the devoted team at Kazini Community Care Initiative Uganda.
