Fort Portal:— Hundreds of dignitaries, family members and well-wishers on Tuesday gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza Barusoke Apuuli, who marked 100 years, in a thanksgiving ceremony described by speakers as a tribute to faith, patriotism and disciplined living.

The centenary celebrations, held under the theme “Celebrating a Century of God’s Goodness,” drew senior government officials, judicial officers, security leaders, politicians, farmers, golfers, Rotarians, freedom fighters and public servants from across the country.

Among those in attendance were Hon Col Tom Butime, Hon Raphael Bitamazire, Permanent Secretary Robert Kasande, Brig Gen Henry Isoke, Supreme Court Justice Paul Mugamba, and Justice Kiiza Akiiki, alongside religious leaders and community representatives from Toro sub-region and beyond.

Representing government as Guest of Honour, Brig Gen Isoke, who stood in for the Presidency, commended President Yoweri Museveni for what he described as nurturing a generation of disciplined and service-oriented Ugandans, citing members of the Basaliza family who have served the country in various capacities.

“President Yoweri Museveni not only led the liberation of this country but has also nurtured generations of disciplined, service-oriented Ugandans who continue to serve faithfully in the military, public service and governance,” Brig Gen Isoke said.

He paid special tribute to Mzee Basaliza’s son, Rtd Col Hon Steven Basaliza, citing his long record of public service spanning FRONASA, the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), the National Resistance Army/ Uganda People’s Defence Forces (NRA/UPDF), the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), and service on the boards of key public institutions, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).

The Guest of Honour also highlighted Mzee Basaliza’s own contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle, saying his support for armed rebellion and civic resistance earned him the Nalubale Medal, one of the country’s highest national honours.

“Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza supported the liberation struggle through sacrifice, discipline and unwavering faith, and that commitment is reflected in his children who have served this country with distinction in the military, public service and governance. This is a family that embodies the values of the NRM and the vision of President Museveni,” Brig Gen Isoke said.

Speakers praised the centenarian’s professional background as a veterinary officer and a pioneer in the dairy industry, crediting him for promoting modern dairy farming and sustaining a farm he established as early as 1966.

His involvement in agriculture and real estate was also noted, including ownership of Fort Portal City’s landmark commercial property popularly known as Red House, described as the city’s largest commercial building.

Mzee Basaliza’s passion for sports, particularly golf, featured prominently during the celebrations. At 100 years, he is believed to be the oldest active golfer in Uganda and Africa, and possibly the oldest still playing in the world.

Speakers described his continued participation in the sport as a testament to discipline, healthy eating and lifelong physical activity.

The government delegation conveyed appreciation from the Presidency and from the Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, who had been scheduled to attend as Chief Guest but was unable to do so due to urgent official duties.

As chief organiser, Rtd Col Hon Steven Basaliza thanked his father for instilling discipline, faith and healthy living in the family, which he said had enabled him to reach a century.

He urged family members to preserve and protect the values and legacy associated with Mzee Basaliza.

He also thanked President Museveni for recognising his father’s contribution to the country and for appointing members of the family to positions of responsibility in government, citing his own service as Commissioner at the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

“My father taught us discipline, faith and healthy living, values that have enabled him to reach 100 years, and I thank President Museveni for recognising his contribution to this country and for entrusting members of our family with responsibilities in public service, including my own service at the Uganda Human Rights Commission,” Basaliza said.

During the ceremony, calls were renewed for Parliament to formally honour Mzee Basaliza as a patriot, freedom fighter and pioneer of the dairy industry and golf in Uganda, recalling earlier appeals made by the Speaker of Parliament.

In his brief remarks, Mzee Emmanuel Basaliza urged the people of Toro and Uganda at large to continue supporting President Museveni and the NRM, arguing that sustained leadership was necessary to safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.

He remarked that his extended family represented “a battalion-equivalent” voting force committed to protecting those achievements.

Entertainment was provided by the UPDF Brass Band, backed by St Leo’s College, adding a ceremonial tone to the event.

The centenary celebrations closed with prayers and tributes recognising Mzee Basaliza’s integrity, devotion to God, loyalty to the ruling National Resistance Movement, and a lifetime of service that, speakers said, mirrors Uganda’s own post-independence journey.