23 Facts About Sam Magara

Sam Emmanuel Magara was an ethnic Muhima, and part of the Bahinda clan.

Sam Magara was born to Mutembeya, a sub-county chief in Ankole.

Sam Magara joined Yoweri Museveni's Front for National Salvation at an early point.

Sam Magara was a lawyer, and served in the Save Uganda Movement for some time.

Sam Magara began training at the Tanzania Military Academy at Monduli.

Sam Magara returned to Uganda in late 1980, where a new political crisis had developed.

In December 1980, Museveni called for his closest supporters and allies to meet in Makindye; Sam Magara was among the attendants.

In early 1981, Sam Magara was part of the small group that formed Museveni's Popular Resistance Army, a rebel force which was supposed to overthrow Obote's government.

At the time, Sam Magara was a 2nd lieutenant and one of the few professionally trained soldiers in Museveni's group.

Alongside Museveni and Elly Tumwine, Sam Magara planned the PRA's first operation which culminated in the Battle of Kabamba in February 1981.

Sam Magara served as one of the rebel commanders during this clash.

Sam Magara's unit was supposed to capture the armoury of the Kabamba Military Barracks, but was unable to do so.

Museveni became Chairman of the High Command of the NRA, while Sam Magara was appointed the NRA's deputy commander after his predecessor, Ahmed Seguya, died of sickness.

Sam Magara executed one of his officers, Shaban Kashanku, after a short trial.

Kashanku had temporarily left a NRA camp without permission, and Sam Magara had accused him of being a double agent.

Sam Magara's circle was suspected of working with the Gang of Four in this regard.

Sam Magara was able to defuse the internal tensions by introducing a detailed code of conduct for the NRA.

Sam Magara's death was regarded as a heavy blow to the NRA, and was reportedly celebrated by Obote's government.

Rumours quickly emerged within the NRA which alleged that Sam Magara had been killed as a result of the continuing tensions within the NRA; the NRA command gave orders that nobody should discuss his demise.

NRA veteran John Kazoora claimed that it "was clear that [Sam Magara] was betrayed and a victim of intrigue".

Ultimately, two of Sam Magara's alleged co-conspirators, Mugabi and Muchunguzi, were killed under disputed circumstances; Muchunguzi was allegedly executed by Kagame.

Sam Magara's family was only informed of his demise six months later, and his sister was able to arrange for a proper burial at Lugogo.

Stalin Kanduho later became an officer in the Uganda People's Defence Force, the NRA's successor organization, while Patricia Sam Magara became a lawyer.