Kanungu District Council has unanimously approved a proposal to rename the 47km Kanungu–Kerere–Hamurwa road, which connects Kanungu and Rubanda districts, as Garuga Road.
The proposal was tabled by Kanungu District LC5 Chairman, Sam Kajojo Arinaitwe, during a special council session held at the late James Musinguzi Garuga’s home in Kiragiro Village, Nyarurambi Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county, Kanungu District on Sunday.
Presided over by Kanungu District Council Speaker Frank Byaruhanga and supported by Kisoro District Council Speaker Amos Hakizimana, the session was attended by representatives from district councils across the Kigezi and Ankole regions. They gathered to pay tribute to Garuga’s immense contributions to the region.
Renaming the road in his honor is viewed as a fitting gesture recognizing Garuga’s impactful work in tourism, agriculture, and infrastructure development within Kigezi.
The proposal was seconded by Buhoma Sub-county Councillor Francis Byamukama and Rugyeyo Sub-county Councillor Erias Komwani.
The Rubanda District LCV Chairman Stephen Kasyaba welcomed the move, calling it an important way to preserve Garuga’s legacy. Kisoro District LCV Chairman Abel Bizimana described the late philanthropist as “a mentor, a compass, and a battery” to all who knew him.
“Like the heart, Garuga Musinguzi never gave to others without first sustaining himself. Just as the heart supplies itself through the coronary artery before other parts, his marvelous palatial home on 12 acres in the Rugyeyo woods challenges the notion of wealth without a decent home,” Bizimana remarked.
James Musinguzi Garuga passed away on August 6 at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after a brief admission due to breathing complications. He was 72 years old.
Garuga was the founder and chairman of several successful enterprises including Garuga Properties, Incafex Group, Kinkizi Development Company, Kigezi Highland Tea, and Savannah Resort Hotel. He was widely respected for his dedication to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in Uganda.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Peace Musinguzi, children Rowena, Alwyn, Johnnie, and Phillip, grandchildren Aden, Matthew, Arianna, Matisse, Isaac, and Milo; along with a broad network of family, friends, and colleagues.
Educated at Ruhanyana Primary School, Mbarara High School, Makerere College, Makerere University (BCom and LLB), and the Law Development Centre (Diploma in Legal Practice), Garuga’s legacy spans law, business, and community development.
His body will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Rugyeyo on Monday, August 11.
