Africa-Press – Uganda. Thousands of people from various parts of the country gathered in Wanyama Village, Jinja North Division in Jinja City, Eastern Uganda on October 26 to send off former minister Henry Kyemba.
The burial started with a service at the Christ’s Cathedral Bugembe presided over by Busoga Diocese Bishop, Rt.Rev. Paul Samson Naimanhye who described the late Kyemba as a statesman.
“A lot has been said about Kyemba but I can describe him as a statesman who has been highly knowledgeable and with many experiences. He has been a respectable political leader, an elder, advisor, national leader and loving person,” said Bishop Naimanhye.
He said Uganda, Busoga region and the Church had lost a very resourceful and important person. His death comes when Busoga is in final arrangements of witnessing Kyabazinga William Nadiope Gabula IV wed the inabantu (the Queen).
Dr Stephen Watya Genga, an urologist from Uro-Care Hospital in Nansana, Wakiso District treated Kyemba and was under his care for the time he was sick.
Dr Wakya said the late Kyemba died of prostate cancer. He was respected in his sickness and given special attention to the extent of limiting himself from certain kinds of foods that are not good for his health.
“He respected his death with care and before I did any examinations or gave him any treatment he would ask for me to say a prayer first,” said Dr Watya.
Dr Wakya said Kyemba made friends with the entire health team in the facility and shared with them the history of Uganda much as he was sick.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Ms Rebecca Kadaga was the chief mourner. Ms Kadaga represented President Museveni who said he first met Kyemba in 1989 during the National Resistance Council (NRC).
“In parliament those days we never had role models and to be greeted by a Minister was great honour and that is Kyemba. He identified my talent when I was working as commissioner of inquiries, lands and my life up to day was because of him, ”said Ms Kadaga.
She said Kyemba is a unique person who loved humanity services, practiSed through Rotary Clubs.
Mr Alfred Nabeta who spoke on behalf of his clan (baise munhya) in Mayuge District where Kyemba hailed from said Kyemba had a humanitarian heart without discrimination.
“It is because of the special and unique characters he exhibited that made him serve in various governmental positions. He taught us many humanity values and above all to protect the name of our clan and Nabeta family,” said Mr Nabeta.
The widow, Ms Janet Kyemba described her late husband as someone who loved people.
She said Kyemba was first diagnosed with diabetes in 1989 but has been managed until Covid-19 situations prevented him from attending his medical reviews for fear of contracting the disease.
“Many people have known my husband in their different ways and I knew him in the same way you knew him. I thank God I committed myself to play my role as a wife. I gave my life to Jesus and became saved and I ask anybody here who has in anyway been wronged by Kyemba to forgive him so that he rests in peace,” said Ms Kyemba.
In a special way, Kyemba’s widow reminded the Rotary family through the past District Governor and the current District Governor 9213, Mr Edward Kakembo that Kyemba loved rotary and they should fulfill his humanity aspirations.
Former Lands Minister, Mr Daudi Migereko said Kyemba served governments during very difficult times.
Ms Linda Kyemba who spoke on behalf of the children said they will miss their beloved father who has left behind a service legacy.
Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muvawala said Kyemba played a big role in his life. He said Mr Kyemba convinced him to serve as Busoga Kingdom Prime Minister.
“He gave me the courage to become the prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom although I was not a politician. Why are you afraid when you are a Mwirian?” Dr Muvawala recalls.
A seven-gun salute was fired by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in his honour.
The burial was attended by several government ministers, Members of Parliament and friends, among others.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
