The members of Parliament convened to pay tribute to Henry Magumba Kyemba, an 86-year-old former legislator, minister, and public servant who departed on October 19. At the somber event, which was held in the House’s Central lobby across from the South Wing parking lot, lawmakers were led in receiving Kyemba’s coffin by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
During the tearful procedures, members of Kyemba’s family, government officials, members of Parliament, and well-wishers paid their respects. Kyemba’s coffin, covered in the national flag, was carried into the House chambers for a special sitting at 2:00 pm, where the whole House—including opposition lawmakers—assembled to pay tribute to his memory.
Thomas Tayebwa, the deputy speaker, praised Kyemba for his work in exposing the Idi Amin regime’s atrocities and for his skill in recording historical events for future generations.
Both Vice President Jessica Alupo and First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga paid tribute to Kyemba, highlighting his commitment to and devotion to Uganda. The nation’s greatest man, according to Mr. Nsaba Buturo, a former minister of ethics.
In commemoration of Kyemba, even opposition MPs who had been abstaining from parliamentary sessions showed up in the House. While praising Kyemba as a statesman and politician, Mr. Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, chastised the current administration for not keeping its word.
Mr. David Zijjan congratulated Kyemba on his impeccable record as a politician and government worker, saying Uganda has to work toward producing more people who are like him. Because of Kyemba’s achievements as the health minister, Mr. David Isabirye proposed naming the new cancer center in Jinja after him.
Manjeri Kyebakutika, a Jinja City Woman MP, urged the government to stop prosecuting political opponents and to follow Kyemba’s lead in promoting education and the underprivileged.
Kyemba was given an official funeral by President Museveni as a token of appreciation for his services to the nation. Kyemba will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Bugembe Town, Jinja District, and a joint meeting of the local council will take place at Jinja City Hall.