Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, General Aronda Nyakairima died Friday night in Dubai while returning from South Korea.

In a statement issued to the media yesterday, Ugandan Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda said that the cause of General Aronda Nyakairima’s death was still not known.

"General Aronda Nyakairima was returning from South Korea, on official duties, transiting through Dubai.” he said in the statement.

The Ugandan Government yesterday set up a task force, led by Defence Minister, Dr Crispus Kiyonga, to coordinate all matters relating to Nyakairima’s death.

"A team of doctors--pathologists—is also being sent to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to assist with the post-mortem and the repatriation of the body. We will keep the country informed of any further details,” Rugunda said.

He described Nyakairima as a dedicated servant of the people of Uganda and that his death was a tragic and huge loss to the country. 

"We extend our deep condolences to the family and friends of General Aronda during this most trying period, and pray that the Almighty God comforts them,” Rugunda said.

As the news trickled in yesterday of Aronda’s death, mourners jammed the tightly guarded home of the deceased General in Buziga, a Kampala suburb to pay their respects.

Before his ministerial appointment in 2013, Aronda had served as Chief of Defence Forces from 2003 to 2013.