Africa-Press – Uganda. Authorities in Jinja have unanimously passed a resolution and renamed one of the roads in the City after the former minister, Henry Kyemba, who passed away on October 18 in Namugongo, Kampala, aged 86 years.
Mr Kyemba was a Minister of Culture and Community Development in Former President Idi Amin’s government in 1972 and was Minster of Health from 1973 to 1977. He fled to exile in 1977 and only returned during President Museveni’s regime and served as minister in various ministries.
The Deputy Jinja City Mayor, Ms Fazira Kauma, moved a motion that was quickly adopted and will see Radio Road renamed Henry Kyemba Road.
Mr Kyemba’s body on Wednesday lay at Jinja City Hall for last respects, which was attended by among others; his friends, political opponents, former classmates and workmates.
Jinja City Speaker, Mr Bernard Mbayo, said although renaming the road will cause “some inconveniences”, especially amongst people who own property on the road, Council, through Local Government guidelines, will handle everything.
Col (Rtd) Tony Otto, a friend to the deceased for over 30 years, said the two had a good time and they kept their friendship as a family.
Ms Georgina Tumusiime, the President of the Rotary Club of Source of the Nile, which represented Rotary Clubs in Jinja to which Mr Kyemba was a member and served as District Governor, said the government should recognise the late Kyemba by putting up a library in his memory.
She said: “We as Rotary family are celebrating his time in services he held in several capacities. His integrity, care and love for humanity will always be cherished.”
Jinja City Mayor, Mr Peter Okocha Kasolo, said he first met the deceased before joining politics when he accompanied a friend for an interview, adding that he has learnt a lot from his book: “A State of Blood”, in which he chronicles eyewitness accounts of President Idi Amin’s alleged brutality and reign of terror.
Ms Janet Kyemba, the widow, thanked the government for giving her husband a decent burial, adding that throughout his life, he has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption.
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