Kadaga praises Kibedi for denouncing Amin

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga lays a wreath on the casket containing the remains of Wanume Kibedi during a requiem Service at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero yesterday. PHOTO BY ALEX ESAGALA

Kampala- The Speaker of Parliament, Ms Rebecca Kadaga, has extolled fallen ex-Minister Joshua Wanume Kibedi for denouncing dictatorial tendencies of President Idi Amin.

The late Kibedi resigned from his Foreign Affairs minister post in Amin’s government in April 1973 and condemned it after the murder of Shaban Kirunda Nkutu, who was cabinet minister in the Obote I government.

Ms Kadaga, who spoke at a requiem service held at All Saints Church, Nakasero, described Kibedi’s decision to resign from a ministerial post as a symbol of patriotism. “We celebrate the life of a great nationalist, a servant, a patriot and a person who fought hard to revive Uganda’s image after the political turmoil,” Ms Kadaga said.

Mr Kirunda Kivejinja, the second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Affairs, said Kibedi was a person determined at exploring other people’s potential. “He welcomed all. He never despised anyone. He helped many to realise their potential. He was one of the best prides Busoga has ever had,” Mr Kirunda said.

Mr Kirunda, Dr William Lume, the deceased’s nephew, and the Rev Geoffrey Byarugaba, who presided over the Mass, commended the former envoy, also a solicitor, as someone who never took advantage of other people’s agony.

“We have today read stories of MPs who were conned for cabinet jobs. But a ministerial job was nothing to Kibedi. He would have grabbed Asians’ property after they had been expelled. But he never did,” the Rev Byarugaba said.
This week, Frankyln Babibasa, conned MPs out of Shs1m to Shs5m promising to fix them in cabinet. Police arrested him after MPs who missed out complained.

Mr Francis Tusubira, a former schoolmate of Kibedi and Mr Henry Kyemba, one of the deceased’s closest friends, spoke about a person who had a high sense of humour, wisdom, charm, was reflective and thoughtful.

“It was not easy for me to accept his demise. The humility he exhibited was unique,” Mr Kyemba eulogised.

The widows Elizabeth and Rose Kibedi and orphans spoke of a time well-spent with a loving husband and father which will forever be cherished.

“We will take pride that he served his nation dearly. We will always remember his jokes and the care he had for us all,” Ms Rose Kibedi said.

Ms Lydia Kibedi Zabasajja, one of the deceased’s six children, said their father was a strong-spirited man. “He was a simple man.

He had a special gift of making everyone feel at home. One thing that gives us comfort, he died peacefully. He never wanted to show weakness even when he was sick,” Ms Zabasajja said.

Another funeral service will be held today at Bugembe Cathedral in Jinja at 10am before burial at Nabitende village, Namalemba sub-county in Iganga District on Saturday at 2pm.