A Police ambulance parked at the house where the general was killed in a city suburb

By John B. Thawite and Michael Karugaba

James Kazini’s death has been received with shock and anger in his home district Kasese.

“It is a tragedy. How can the man who so gallantly fought and defeated the terrorist Allied Democratic Front (ADF) rebels in western Uganda and eastern Congo die in such circumstances?” a town dweller wondered.

In a condolence message, the Rwenzori kingdom said the Obusinga received the news with “profound consternation”.

Joyce Bwambale, a former Kasese Woman MP and Uganda’s representative in the African parliament, said she was devastated by the news.

She described Kazini’s death as “a dark day in the history of Kasese and Uganda” and called for district-wide mourning.

She also said the district had lost a bridge and channel between the different ethnic groups in the area. “He was a great ally of the women in Kasese.”

District chairperson Julius Kithaghenda said the Rwenzori region had lost “a developmental son and freedom fighter.”

Kasese RDC James Mwesigye and that of Bundibugyo Samuel Kazinga hailed the former army commander for his contribution to eliminate the ADF who attacked through Mpondwe border post in 1996.

Kazinga remembered the time Kazini was targeted by the rebels at Bundibugyo headquarters in 1999. He survived but five soldiers were killed.

“As Rwenzori region, we are highly concerned about the untimely death of Kazini. It’s a big blow to us,” Kazinga said.

Masaka RDC Barnabas Bamusedde Bwambale, who hails from Kasese, described the incident as “very sad indeed.”

South Rwenzori Diocesan Bishop Jackson Thembo Nzerebende commended Kazini for ridding the region of the ADF.

“We were proud that he was also constructing the biggest hotel in Kasese.”

The news also hit the business community, who called Kazini their icon. “Kazini has been helping us whenever we approached him to give us business clues,” said a top member, Costa Bwambale.

He recalled that Kazini offered his public address system for the coronation of Rwenzururu king Charles Mumbere on October 19.

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By Norman Katende

The sports fraternity has mourned Maj. Gen. James Kazini.

SC Villa supremo Franco Mugabe said the club will hold an emergency executive meeting to address the tragedy.

Kazini was a strong Villa supporter.

He used to offer them money and sports kits, particularly in the late 1990s.

“It is very sad. He has been a great mobiliser of fans and also one of the financers.

“He emphasised discipline and promoted the spirit of belonging among the fans,” said Mugabe yesterday.

Villa last week lost their goalkeeper trainer, Fred “Giringi” Lukwago.

The federation boss, Edgar Watson, said Kazini’s death was a blow considering that support for sports is dwindling.

“We shall miss him. Our sympathies to his family and SC Villa,” said Watson, a former captain of the club.