ARUA: President Yoweri Museveni has hailed Maj Gen Yusuf Gowan (Rtd), he is utmost dedication to protect and serve his Country Uganda during his active days of service.
The President delivered his message through NRM National Secretariat Director Finance and Administration; Hajjat Medina Naham Ojale during the final send-off of Retired, *Major General Yusuf Gowan* in Arua City yesterday the 3rd of February 2024.
Maj Gen Yusuf Gowan Mogi who hails from the Waju Clan of Koboko was born on 30th December 1942. He served as prisons officer from 1963-1971 under Uganda public service commission. He joined the army in 1971 with the army number UO-640 ranked as Major General.
In 1978, Maj Gen Gowan was appointed and served as army chief of staff till 1979. When war broke he was exiled to Congo till 1994 when he was officially repatriated and given amnesty by the government of Uganda. He Later served as chairperson of the veterans association of West Nile and in 2017, he stepped down due to his ill health. Major Gen. Gowan died on 2nd February 2024 at Arua Regional Referral Hospital due to heart complications.
In his message to the mourners delivered by Hajjat Medina , H.E the President guided that this specific excerpt is relayed citing the FRONASA Mbarara barracks attack of 17th September 1972 where Maj Gen. Gowan played a critical role as the 2nd in command to Ali Fadul. Fadul would later flee leaving Gowan in charge. Gowan managed to put a strong resistance to the invading forces who appeared uncoordinated and lacked sophisticated weaponry at the time. Under his command, the attackers were suppressed and the Fronasa group retreated.(excerpts about this can be picked from “Sowing the mastered seed”)
Hajjat Medina, handed over H. E the President’s contribution of Ten Million Uganda Shillings (10,000,000 ugx) and NRM party’s contribution of Five Million Uganda Shillings (5,000,000 ugx) towards burial arrangements.