Gen. Salim Saleh, born Caleb Akandwanaho, narrated how he almost lost his life during the liberation struggle in 1983.
Saleh narrated that in February 1983, at Bukalabi in Luwero (now Nakaseke), he and his unit fell prey to faulty intelligence and marched into the enemy’s first line.
Amid the fierce crossfire, several comrades were fatally wounded, and Saleh himself was shot three times in the arms.
He went on to even state that his jacket bore 18 bullet holes by the time he ordered a retreat.
“In Feb 1983, I almost met my Waterloo at Bukalabi. Based on the wrong intel, my unit entered the first enemy defenses unware. Many were shot, some dead, and personally, I was shot 3 times in the arms. My jacket had about 18 bullet holes by the time of retreat,” he narrated.
According to books written about the National Resistance Army (NRA), it is stated that by early 1983, the National Resistance Army (NRA) had secured substantial territory in Central Uganda.
And by the time of Saleh’s survival, the Nara was now seeking to push deeper. The books also confirm that under Gen. Saleh’s command, approximately 90 elite fighters launched an assault on Bukalabi near Semuto.
However, outdated intelligence underestimated the enemy defences, and as a result, this led Saleh’s unit straight into a UNLA machine-gun nest.
Despite such difficulties endured during the NRA’s liberation struggle, they eventually went on to capture the majority of the central region and, in 1986, took over power.
Saleh’s gunshot was just part of what they went through to become what they are today. What is your take on Saleh’s story? Drop your comment below on your thoughts.