Church, Mengo honour former Katikkiro Nsibirwa

Ms Rhoda Kalema (R) the first born of the late Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa speaks on behalf of the children during the 70th celebration of their father’s legacy at Namirembe Cathedral on Sunday. PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI

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Remembered. Nsibirwa honoured for his mobilisation of kingdom subjects.

KAMPALA. Seventy years since his death, the dedication and work of former Buganda Katikkiro Martin Luther Nsibirwa is still felt in the fields of education and health.
Nsibirwa, a two-time Buganda premier, was murdered as he walked out of church service at Namirembe Cathedral in 1945. He was buried at the church.
His death followed the handover of a big chunk of land for the expansion of then Makerere College into the University of East Africa on September 4, 1945. The land in question was in the hands of private owners, who were opposed to the idea.
As a result of his work, the university recognised his contribution and named a hall of residence, formerly known as NorthCote, after him.
On Sunday, both the Anglican Church and Buganda Kingdom paid homage to the late Nsibirwa for his developmental orientation and skills in mobilisation.
Buganda premier Charles Peter Mayiga, who described Nsibirwa as his elder brother in service, said the kingdom cherishes him for the hard work he exhibited.
“Although Nsibirwa was not educated, he was a focused leader whose efforts have benefited many in the present generation in terms of education from Makerere University, and also offered his own land in Mulago for construction of the nurses hostel in exchange for land in Kansanga,” said Mr Mayiga. Under his tenure, Mr Mayiga said cash and food crops production improved.
According to Mr Mayiga, the late Nsibirwa’s family has produced a number of people now serving the kingdom in various capacities, including Ms Maria Kiwanuka and Mr Robert Waggwa Nsibirwa.
Retired Bishop of Mityana Diocese Wilson Mutebi described Nsibirwa as a brave, dedicated hero who understood and fought for his religion.
His children, led by Ms Rhoda Kalema, one of the pioneer female legislators, told the congregation that although their father died, it was time to thank God for his great work.