Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger who saved the lives of a number of women and children from Bundibugyo floods has been awarded UGX.2 million from Arrow Security Group for his act of heroism.
Hon. Captain Mike Mukula, who is the Chairman Arrow Security group hand over to a cash pledge of UGX.2 million to Corporal Hannington Agaba – thanking him for his braveness of rescue of the people stuck in floods in Bundibugyo early this month.
Agaba was filmed carrying old people and babies on his back in deadly floods which claimed over 20 lives about two weeks ago.
Capt Mukula commended Agaba for such a valiant act and promised to reach out to the President for further reward.
“Am sure even the president has watched this and at an appropriate time I will bring it to his attention,” Capt Mukula said adding that “When we saw the efforts carried out by a great patriot, a great nationalist, we decided to give him a small token of appreciation of UGX2m as part of our social corporate responsibility”.
“He risked his life even when he was not deployed to do so. He is a hero not only in Uganda but worldwide. Agaba remained relentless and I was humbled to see him carry babies and old woman on his back on fast-moving waters”.
Mukula’s Arrow Security last year also appreciated a female traffic officer who was knocked down by a boda boda while on duty but still got on her feet to guide the traffic.
On his part, UWA Ag. Executive Director Sam Mwondha promised to promote Agaba to a better rank in the shortest time possible adding that he has been a very hardworking man.
“You people have been knowing UWA as one that cares for animals but we also care for people and this has been demonstrated by Agaba. He was not deployed to do so but he did it at his own will through his training,” he said
Mwondha said that UWA is glad to partner with Arrow security.
Agaba said that on the fateful day he was supervising restoration works in the area when he heard cries from locals that prompted him to respond since he knew it had rained the previous night.
“I was on another duty in the morning when I had an alarm and I had to move towards the noise. I found people stuck in volumes of waters. I was helped by a chappati man and I thank God that in that area no one died though over 20 died in other places,” Agaba said adding that he did what he did because he couldn’t just stand and watch people die in water.
“I promise to conserve not only animals but humans too. Whereas I was trained on how to survive in water, I never even thought about the training at that time. But I knew I was not supposed to move your legs anyhow in fast-moving waters. It would have been traumatized to see someone die when I am watching,” he said.
Agaba thanked UWA for the training which enabled him to carry out such a heroic act even when he was not deployed to do so. He has also thanked Arrow Security for the token of appreciation and urged every person to help in whatever capacity they have to save lives.
