Summary:
- The event, meant to mourn businessman Michael Obote, who passed away at 62 on Saturday at Rugarama Hospital due to high blood pressure complications, took an unexpected turn.
KABALE: On Monday, a burial ceremony in Butanda Sub County, Ndorwa West in Kabale District transformed into a political rally, leaving mourners in shock.
The event, meant to mourn businessman Michael Obote, who passed away at 62 on Saturday at Rugarama Hospital due to high blood pressure complications, took an unexpected turn.
The incident began when the Master of Ceremony, Isaac Kagurusi, handed the microphone to Denis Ndyomugyenyi Nzeirwe, former Deputy RDC of Kyankwazi District and a previous candidate for the Kabale District LCV Chairmanship (2021-2026). Nzeirwe expressed his belief that the people had voted for him in the last general election, but the outcome did not favor him, resulting in Nelson Nshangabasheija, also known as Baaba Baba Taata Taata, winning the position of Kabale District Chairperson. Despite losing the NRM election and contesting as an independent candidate, Nzeirwe was still defeated by Nshangabasheija.
In the election, Nshangabasheija received 45,247 votes, defeating the then-incumbent Kabale District Chairperson, the late Patrick Besigye Keihwa, who received 21,803 votes, and Nzeirwe, who garnered 22,671 votes.
Addressing mourners at Kinyamare 1 village, Nyamirago parish, Butanda Sub County, Nzeirwe urged the people to vote for him in the next election, acknowledging that the previous one did not go well. He said, “I know everyone knows me very well, so I am going to sleep and you vote me into power when the time comes.”
Counsel Atwebembeire Wilbroad Wamushinja Rwamunahe, the Kabale District LCV Chairman a hopeful, also addressed mourners and suggested that Nzeirwe should step down and allow him to take the position in the next race, stating, “Dennis will be happy to see me in office as his brother.”
CUE IN DENIS AND RWAMUNAHE….. VOX POP…..RR//
Preaching during the ceremony, Rev. Canon Milton Nkurunungi, the Kigezi Diocesan Secretary, encouraged mourners to leave a lasting legacy before departing this world. He emphasized the importance of leaving something meaningful behind, whether it be a legacy of love, kindness, or achievements that inspire others. Nkurunungi urged the mourners to strive for accomplishments they could be proud of.
CUE IN CAN NKURUNUNGI……ON LEGACY……RR//
The deceased’s wives, children, and friends found comfort in knowing that his memory would continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
Obote is survived by his two wives and eight children.
