Refusing to Quit! Col. Joseph Bahikire launches inspiring book, commends President Museveni for being an architect of progress

The Member of Parliament for Ruhama East County, Hon. Benjamin Kamukama has commended Col. Joseph Bahikire, Col Strategy J5, for writing an inspiring book about his life.

“It’s a great moment for us who grew up with him and have known him for a very long time. It is a great honor for me to be here and be part of this launch not only as your friend but also as a chief guest. I want to appreciate you, my brother Col. Joseph Bahikire and congratulate you upon joining this great family of authors in Uganda,” said. Hon. Kamukama, a close and childhood friend of Col. Bahikire.

Hon. Kamukama made the remarks on Friday 9th May, 2025 during the launch of “Refusing to Quit”, a book by Col. Bahikire. The event took place at Uaminifu Officers Club, SFC Headquarters, Entebbe.

The book tells a story of survivability: the “from huts to bungalows scenario”. It is a book of personal growth in an environment of uncertainties and a personal account of someone’s life as a growing up child in a poor but strict and peaceful family where life rotated on subsistence farming. The book tells a story of a student who could not make it to higher institutions of learning and almost lost hope, but where failure turned into a blessing in disguise.

Col. Bahikire is a UPDF serving military officer. He is a graduate of the prestigious Defence College Staff College Karen, Kenya and holds a diploma in international relations and diplomacy from the University of Nairobi and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the same field at Nkumba University.

Hon. Kamukama also called upon well wishers to support Col. Bahikire by buying his books.

“We all know that he is not just launching but he is also selling these books. He is not about to retire but I think this is one of the ventures and sources he will use to fund his life when he retires from this great family of UPDF. These books will be in different shelves of bookshops,” he stated.

Hon. Kamukama further lauded Col. Bahikire for being a supportive friend who has touched the lives of many people.

“We are almost the same age but I remember in 1995, I Wanted to study during holiday but I didn’t have a place to stay. He gave me where to stay in his small room. Of course there are very many other things he has done, he has been there for us.”

The Chief of Staff of Special Forces Command (SFC), Brig. Gen. Paul Namawa, who represented the SFC Commander, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, described Col. Bahikire as a teacher, and a mentor who loves his country and gives his best when given an assignment.

“He always aspires to do his best,”Brig. Gen. Namawa said.

“Bahikire is basically a teacher and I think that’s how God created him, in whatever he does, he tries to teach. I believe this book will be circulated all over the world.”

Brig. Gen. Namawa also challenged fellow officers in uniform to borrow a leaf from Col. Bahikire and also author books about their life and other important life stories.

“You should start keeping your diaries so that tomorrow if there is a need to emulate him and do what he has done, you will be able to do something and that also includes myself; I’m also advising myself,”he said.

The Chairman of the book launch organising committee, Brig. Gen. Gerald Ahimbisibwe, who serves as the Director of Plans and Policy – UPDF Lands Forces, extended sincere gratitude to the author of the book for having put together an incredible book.

“We