Africa-Press – Uganda. The Elders Forum of Uganda (TEFU) and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) have hailed the late Henry Kyemba for championing national dialogue and initiating the presidential debates.
Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, who is also the chairperson of the Council of Presidents in IRCU, said during the high political temperatures of the 2011/2012 and 2015/2016 general elections, the late Kyemba worked behind the scenes to ensure both the government and key stakeholders participated in national dialogue.
“As an executive member of The Elders Forum Uganda, the late Kyemba was part of the IRCU-TEFU team that traversed the country to organise the regional consultations and debates as a build-up to the first-ever national presidential candidates’ debate,” Archbishop Kaziimba, who was represented by Bishop Joshua Lwere, said during prayers organised by Uganda Rotary Country Office at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe yesterday.
He added that having served in all the post-Independence governments and having understood the turbulent history of Uganda, the late worked behind the scenes to ensure that all presidential candidates attended the debates because he did not want the country to slide back into dictatorship.
Canon Justice James Ogoola, the chairperson of the Elders Forum, who was represented by Ms Daisy Baluku, described Kyemba as a true patriot and a faithful nationalist who put loyalty to the country at the top, adding that the late Kayemba dispensed values and virtues of a statesman.
“His contributions to TEFU have been invaluable and stellar. He was the heart and soul of TEFU. His was the voice of reason, the steady hand of the skilled technocrat, the moderating tongue of a seasoned diplomat,” he said.
Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who led the Mwiri Old Boys where the late studied, hailed him for his commitment to the country, especially in the 1970s when he documented atrocities committed by the Idi Amin regime.
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, and the Nabagerekka, hailed the late Kyemba for supporting the kingdom during Amin’s regime.
The Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, who was represented by Rukia Isanga Nakadama, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, told mourners that the government decided to accord the late Kyemba an official burial because of his distinguished and dedicated service to the civil service, which saw him serve all post-Independence governments, including the NRM party.
“The government granted Henry Kyemba an official burial in recognition of his significant contribution to the country. He was a seasoned politician and civil servant with a rare sense of dedication to public service. The key public service and political positions he was entrusted by different governments since Independence are testimony to his leadership abilities and commitment to serving the people of Uganda,” she said.
Ms Nakadama also observed that it is very rare in Uganda for someone aged 25 to be appointed as an assistant secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.
The late Kyemba also contributed enormously to the writing of the 1995 Constitution.
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