The Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba is a distinguished Ugandan aviator, senior military officer, educator, and sportsman whose life was defined by resilience, patriotism, quiet sacrifice, and exceptional service across multiple fields.
He 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 School, he rose to prominence in the 1970s as an outstanding footballer and all-round sportsman, representing the school and the Western Region. He also served as Captain of Stanley House during his A-Level years under the mentorship of Mr. Kasiragi (RIP).
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 his return 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.
While in exile, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba’s aviation career continued to flourish. With sponsorship from the United Nations Joint Refugee Services (JRS), he trained at Wilson Airport, earning 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. During the NRA liberation struggle, and at a time when Hon. Sam Kutesa was in exile, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba selflessly served as a caretaker to the family of Hon. Sam Kutesa. This responsibility included caring for Charlotte Kainerugaba, now the wife of the current Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, as well as other children of the family—Hon. Ishta Asiimwe Kutesa (current Member of Parliament for mawogola sembabule ), Elizabeth Kutesa, and Inga Kutesa. This quiet but significant role reflected his deep sense of responsibility, loyalty, and personal sacrifice in support of families affected by the liberation struggle.
It was also 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 Milembe, who served as a key indirect intelligence link to His Excellency the President, in support of the liberation struggle.
Because of the rare breadth of service, he rendered during this formative period, his unwavering loyalty, and the quiet but critical support he offered to the liberation struggle, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry Babumba earned deep respect across the military establishment. Senior officers, including Gen. Katumba Wamala, Gen. Koreta, Gen Omure and other high-ranking officers, held him in high regard and accorded him respect despite his lower rank. His standing was grounded not in rank, but in character, competence, and a proven record of selfless service.
Before going 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 and disciplined sportsman.
Following the 1979 war, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry 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 late Major General Zed Maruru.
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.
While on duty in Morukakere, South Karamoja, the Late Rtd. Maj. Henry 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 lubiri then Luzira on aggravated charges. Through the intervention of the President, he was granted release; however, he chose to remain in Luzira to serve the full duration of his sentence, demonstrating exceptional integrity and a profound sense of accountability. The injustice of these wrongful allegations deeply affected him and ultimately influenced his decision to retire from active military service.
He later survived another assassination attempt when the late Musinguzi Katafiire rammed an ISO vehicle into him at Abiatata Babila. Although he survived, the accident caused severe injuries to his legs and lasting physical damage, fundamentally altering the course of his life and marking the onset of social and economic decline.
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 Hon. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, former Minister of Defence. 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 health deteriorated. When the HE the President learned of his salary, he personally advised that it be revised; this adjustment was implemented briefly before the contract was not renewed due to declining health.
In 2023, the Government of Uganda facilitated his travel to India for specialized medical care. Although a follow-up review was planned, delays occurred, and he later suffered a stroke. He was admitted to Nakasero Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries and continued to receive care intermittently until 22nd December 2025, when he peacefully passed on.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency the President, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Inter-Religious Council, Dr. Kazimba Mugalu, Orthodox Bishop Mzee, cultural leaders, Pastor Bugembe, friends, medical personnel, and all those who offered prayers, support, and compassion during his illness.
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, integrity, and selfless service—spanning aviation, military leadership, education, sport, and national liberation.
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