Age is golden, says jubilant minister Mateke
The 73 year-old minister for Regional Cooperation Philemon Mateke
KISORO. Business in Kisoro Municipality last Saturday came to a stand still as hundreds of residents lined the streets to welcome Dr Philemon Mateke, 73, who was recently re-appointed state minister for Regional Cooperation.
It is alleged that some local leaders led by the district NRM party vice-chairman, Mr Ramathan Ndikuyeze, had tried to block Dr Mateke’s appointment claiming he was too old.
Dr Mateke, a former Education minister in the Obote II regime and Kisoro District NRM chairperson, was instrumental in the creation of Kisoro District in 1991.
A convoy of over 200 vehicles and hundreds of residents welcomed Dr Mateke at Echya Forest Reserve near the boundary of Kabale and Kisoro, about 20km from Kisoro town.
“Old age is wisdom. Those who wanted me sacked wasted their time. We must work as a team to develop Kisoro,” Dr Mateke said.
The minister asked Ugandans to support government shrug off the influence of some Western powers who he said support the Opposition.
Dr Mateke warned teachers against absenteeism and pledged to follow up all the presidential pledges for Kisoro District, including the tarmacking of tourism roads and the creation of Bukimbiri County.
The MP Kisoro Municipality, Mr Sam Byibesho and the Bufumbira South MP Mr Sam Bitangaro, hailed president Museveni for re-appointing Dr Mateke as a minister.
They described him as incorruptible and an industrious man who mobilised 90 per cent votes for President Museveni in the February 2016 general elections.
Mr Sam Bitangaro asked President Museveni to appoint another person from the district as a minister for effective representation of the Bafumbira.
Mr William Harerimana, one of the celebrants, hailed Dr Mateke for fighting for the inclusion of Bafumbira tribe in the 1994 Constitution thus stopping their marginalisation by other tribes that called them foreigners from Rwanda.
The organizers handed over a legacy chair, drum and walking stick to Mr Mateke in recognition of his clean leadership.
The Mayor Kisoro Municipality, Mr Richard Ndyaana, promised to table a proposal before his council to name a 3-km road from Kisoro main round-about to Kisoro Primary Teachers College Dr Mateke road in appreciation of his dedicated service to the district.
