President Yoweri Museveni described the late Maj. Edward Rurangaranga as a true statesman. In a speech read for him by the Minister Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Prof. Efemu Kamuntu, Museveni said Rurangaranga had died an accomplished politician. “Today we send off a senior citizen, an accomplished politician, and mentor of great wisdom who serviced this nation dates before and after Uganda’s Independence. The late Retired Maj. Edward Rurangaranga gave a candid contribution to development and transformation of our nation.”
While speaking at the burial, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otaffire hit back at Opposition critics who were agitating for the next generation of leaders to handle over power. “As young people, we are ready to forgive, we are also ready to tolerate our elders who have participated in politics including President Museveni, we shall forgive you retire peacefully in 2021, may God bless you.” “When we captured power, we had a mission to accomplish.” Otaffire said that the NRM had achieved most of what it had set to achieve and it can only be pushed out of power by a vote if Ugandans wished to do so. “It's only Ugandans who will decide whether we stay or leave. We came by the gun, if we are defeated by the vote we shall go home.”
Speaker after speaker hailed Rurangaranga for his zeal in fighting for the freedom of the Ugandans. “Our fathers did it right, we serve this country but unfortunately to borrow what other speakers said; we often wait too long before somebody is honored.” “For no other reason but because of hatred, wouldn’t we love one another?” “He has forgiven all of you and he has asked you to forgive them that’s the message he gave me in the morning.” “UPC don’t ever allow to be swallowed but remain firm and articulate your ideology and unite the people. And am going to urge you, my mother, you are still alive, bring all these people together and talk to them, leadership is not about the title.”
Rurangaranga who died aged 85 left properties that the family claimed were still in the hands of the government. “...we worn the case up to the High Court but his land in Mbarara at the bus park was never given to him.” “Let the representatives of the President inform him that family needs to be compensated.” Rurangaranga was laid to rest at Kaitanjojo village Kitagata Sub-county in Sheema district. He was given a state burial with the gun salute.
