ENTEBBE.
The Member of Parliament for Ruhama East County, Hon. Benjamin Kamukama has commended Col. Joseph Bahikire, Col Strategy J5, for writing an inspiring book about his life.
“It’s a great moment for us who grew up with him and have known him for a very long time. It is a great honour for me to be here and be part of this launch not only as your friend but also as a chief guest. I want to appreciate you, my brother Col. Joseph Bahikire and congratulate you upon joining this great family of authors in Uganda,” said Mr Kamukama, a close and childhood friend of Col. Bahikire.
Mr Kamukama made the remarks on May 7 during the launch of “Refusing to Quit”, a book by Col. Bahikire. The event took place at Uaminifu Officers Club, Special Forces Commander Headquarters, Entebbe.
The book tells a story of survivability: the “from huts to bungalows scenario”. It is a book of personal growth in an environment of uncertainties and a personal account of someone’s life as a growing up child in a poor ,but strict and peaceful family where life rotated on subsistence farming.
The book tells a story of a student who could not make it to higher institutions of learning and almost lost hope, but where failure turned into a blessing in disguise.
Col. Bahikire is a UPDF serving military officer. He is a graduate of the prestigious Defence College Staff College Karen, Kenya and holds a diploma in international relations and diplomacy from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the same field at Nkumba University.
Mr Kamukama also called upon well-wishers to support Col. Bahikire by buying his books.
“We all know that he is not just launching but he is also selling these books. He is not about to retire but I think this is one of the ventures and sources he will use to fund his life when he retires from this great family of UPDF. These books will be in different shelves of bookshops,” he stated.
The Chief of Staff of Special Forces Command (SFC), Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, who represented the SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, described Col. Bahikire as a teacher, and a mentor who loves his country and gives his best when given an assignment.
“He always aspires to do his best,” Brig. Gen. Namawa said.
“Bahikire is basically a teacher, and I think that’s how God created him, in whatever he does, he tries to teach. I believe this book will be circulated all over the world.”
Brig. Gen. Namawa also challenged fellow officers in uniform to borrow a leaf from Col. Bahikire and also author books about their life and other important life stories.
“You should start keeping your diaries so that tomorrow if there is a need to emulate him and do what he has done, you will be able to do something and that also includes myself; I’m also advising myself,” he said.
The Chairman of the book launch organising committee, Brig. Gen. Gerald Ahimbisibwe, who serves as the Director of Plans and Policy – UPDF Lands Forces, extended sincere gratitude to the author of the book for having put together an incredible book.
“We stand here today to celebrate your success. I congratulate you. I also take this opportunity to thank all of you who in one way or the other contributed to the successful launch of this book,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Ahimbisibwe further gave an insight into Col. Bahikire’s book.
“In his book he talks about how he grew up as a deprived person in a humble home and amidst that deprivation, there was peace in that home. He also makes a comparison of what H.E the President talks about on getting out of poverty in a grass thatched house to a home of bricks and iron sheets. That’s the story of Col. Joseph Bahikire,” he said.
“Despite growing up in such a home, he was able to join one of the most prestigious schools in Western Uganda- the Ntare School. That shows you the character of the individual we are talking about. He also got a chance to join the mighty Uganda People’s Defence Forces, a force that has turned him into a senior officer.”
On his part, Col. Bahikire said “Refusing to Quit” is not just his journey ,but a mirror for everyone who has ever felt trapped by doubt, overwhelmed by obstacles and abandoned in their pursuit of joy and success
“It is a voice that whispers that you are not alone and shouts your capability more than you can imagine. It is dedicated to those who dare to keep walking even when the road is invisible and those who search for light no matter how far it is,” he said.
“I want you to know this, your struggles do not define you, but your response to them does. Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow.
Know that stumbling is not failure, it’s merely a stepping stone to push you towards progress. Believe in yourself even when the world feels indifferent and never underestimate the power of a single determined heart.”