Museveni lauds Kaggwa for protecting human rights

Rest in Peace. Med Kaggwa

What you need to know:

  • At the end of the burial ceremony, a scuffle ensued at the burial grounds between police and People Power pressure group supporters, triggering firing of tear gas.

President Museveni has applauded former Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) chairperson Med Kaggwa for protecting and promoting human rights in the country and abroad.
“He has worked dedicatedly towards protecting and promoting human rights at both the national and international level. He was patriotic and supported the government to revive the economy,” the President said in his message delivered by the Vice President, Mr Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, during the send off of Kaggwa at his ancestral home in Lufuka Cell, Mpigi Town Council, yesterday.

“During his tenure, he ably led the institution in implementing its national mandate of protecting rights. We shall forever be grateful. He will be remembered as a qualified man who steered the commission to a level that made all of us proud,” Mr Museveni said.
“Med Kaggwa was a pillar and a person of enormous influence. He has left behind an inspiring and viable legacy of hardwork which should be emulated by all Ugandans, especially the young generation.

“The nation is mourning the passing of a man who selflessly served his nation in many capacities with utmost commitment, sacrifice and distinction. I bring my condolences to the bereaved family and the entire country,” he added.

Courtesy. Vice president Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi (2nd left), lands minster Betty Amongi (left) and the second deputy prime minister, Mr Kirunda Kiveijinja (centre), are welcomed by the late Med Kaggwa’s family members at the burial ceremony in Mpigi District on November 21, 2019. PHOTO BY SADAT MBOGO


President Museveni contributed Shs10m to the bereaved family.
Buganda Kingdom was represented by Mr Wagwa Nsibirwa, the Kabaka’s minister of finance and economic planning and the kingdom’s second deputy prime minister.
Mr Nsibirwa said: “We have experienced a challenge on monitoring human rights. Human Rights are increasingly violated and Kaggwa’s death leaves a wide gap on this matter.”

Dignitaries, including Chief Justice Bart Katureebe and Kibuli-based Supreme Mufti Sulaiman Kasule Ndirangwa, praised Kaggwa as a honourable human rights defender.
“He did not have corrupt practices. Let’s follow his footsteps. Being greedy and scramble for land should stop now,” the Supreme Mufti stressed, referring to the increasing land wrangles in the country.
The bereaved family, led by widow Namirembe Kaggwa, thanked mourners for comforting them. “My husband has been a disciplined father. May God reward him for his good deeds. Work hard like my husband to change your lives,” she said.

At the end of the burial ceremony, a scuffle ensued at the burial grounds between police and People Power pressure group supporters, triggering firing of tear gas.
“We used teargas and batons to disperse them. They were trying to block road users from going back to their homes. We have one suspect in custody at Mpigi Central Police Station,” Mr Joseph Tulya, the Police spokesperson in Katonga Region, said.