Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger whose photos went viral as he saved a number of women and children from Bundibugyo floods recently has been given a medal at the 34th NRM Liberation Day celebrations in Ibanda District.
Hannington Agaba has also been promoted from a corporal to a lieutenant.
He was among the 95 people rewarded for their act of heroism the celebrations on Sunday.
Working as a community conservation ranger in Semiliki National Park, Agaba was in Bundibugyo when a heavy downpour led to floods and landslides, trapping several people.
The ranger abandoned his post to help distressed locals.
In December last month, Agaba was given Shs2 million from Arrow Security Group for his act of heroism.
Captain Mike Mukula, the NRM chairman for eastern Uganda, who is also the Chairman Arrow Security group handed Agaba the money thanking him for his braveness to rescue the people stuck in floods early on December 7, 2019.
“I was trained to serve. Patriotism guides me and all I care about is serving my country in whatever way. People have been calling, my phone is full of messages and am really thankful that the media took my gesture positively but that has not changed my character. I will keep conserving the environment, helping people and making Uganda better. That is what I stand for, not the ranks, not the publicity or media buzz about me,” Agaba told journalists recently.
Be that as it may, there was another unsung hero in Kirumya, a chapatti vendor who was also seen helping along with Agaba. John Kamara had to let go of everything including his merchandise to save lives
Together, dozens of lives were evacuated to safety and although property was destroyed by flooding water, no life was lost here in Kirumya where the two guardian angels were on duty.
Source: Daily Monitor