Prime
Museveni’s lawyer Byamugisha laid to rest in Kabale
Dr Joseph Byamugisha
What you need to know:
- Dr Byamugisha, trading as JB Byamugisha Advocates, rose to the limelight in 2001 and 2006 after President Museveni named him on his legal defence team to battle election petitions by Dr Kizza Besigye.
The remains of senior counsel Dr Joseph Byambara Byamugisha, 78, were laid to rest at his ancestral home in Burambira Village in northern Division, Kabale Municipality, on Friday.
Dr Byamusgisha succumbed to the cancer of the prostate last week on Tuesday from Nakasero Hospital where he had been admitted for some days.
Former Prime Minister Patrick Amama Mbabazi, who represented government at the requiem mass at Christ the King Church, described Dr Byamugisha as one of the greatest lawyers who spent his time on earth fighting for the truth and whose legacy will live on.
He further described him as a resourceful person who was hardworking, intelligent and ensured that peace prevails in the country.
“I bring condolences from my family, friends and his excellency President Museveni who of course knew Dr Joseph Byamugisha as his lawyer and served our country in many ways. Our President was very close to Dr Byamugisha and he has worked tirelessly to ensure that there is peace in the country,” Mr Mbabazi said.
Dr Byamugisha, trading as JB Byamugisha Advocates, rose to the limelight in 2001 and 2006 after President Museveni named him on his legal defence team to battle election petitions by Dr Kizza Besigye.
Dr Besigye, who was the runner-up in the same polls, had petitioned the Supreme Court saying Mr Museveni was not validly elected.
Mr Mbabazi also told mourners that Dr Byamugisha was among the only three senior counsel from the Kigezi Sub-region.
The other two being himself and retired Supreme Court judge George Wilson Kanyeihamba.
The Kabale Diocesan Bishop Callist Rubaramira, who presided over the mass, said the diocese has lost a very crucial pillar and asked the Christians to emulate the life of Dr Byamugisha which he said was characterised by faith and love.
“He lived a life characterised by love and kindness and cared for his people. He was also supporting Christians in his area to construct a house of God, promoted education through supporting education of his children and Christians should emulate him,” said Bishop Rubaramira.
His children led by Mr Albert Byamugisha, who is also a lawyer, told mourners that his father played a big role in mentoring them, especially those who joined the legal profession.
“We have lost our father, who was there for us every time. He loved and cared about his family and worked hard to ensure that we all finish our studies. We will miss you and may your soul rest in eternal peace,” said Mr Byamugisha.
Dr Byamugisha, who was also a former president of the Uganda Law Society, was married to Court of Appeal Justice Constance Kategaya Byamugisha who died in 2013.
Dr Byamugisha is survived by five children, 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
