Mao to lobby for Byanyima's monument in Gulu

Democratic Party (DP) president Norbert Mao has promised to lobby for a monument in Gulu district to honour the late Boniface Byanyima who died in Kampala on Tuesday.

"I come from Gulu where he is very much loved, I am going to ensure that his monument is built in Gulu town for his remembrance," he said.

Mao who was flanked by a number of DP members described Byanyima as someone who fought gravely against discrimination.

"Byanyima believed that his political opponents are not enemies like the politicians of today," he said.

Mao flanked by Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere made the remarks at Ruti village in Mbarara district where thousands of mourners gathered for the final send-off of Byanyima.

He described Byanyima as a great nationalist who abandoned his teaching professional to fight for social justice.

Mao asked the bereaved family to maintain the values of Byanyima, saying that one does not have to make the fire in order to warm himself.

"Having a name is a very valuable thing that has to be protected. As DP members, we are grateful to your father. I only regret that he has died without seeing the change which is soon coming," Mao said.

Mao called upon DP members to emulate Byanyima's noble example although the party has so many challenges.

"Jesus is called Jesus of Nazareth, Mzee Byanyima belongs to all us but he belongs more to the DP," Mao stated.

Mao noted that DP is still indispensable in the country's politics since it is still about social justice.

In his remarks, former DP president Ssemwogerere said he started knowing Byanyima in 1960 when he left his teaching job and joined DP.

"Since then I followed him closely but he was a person of commendable character and a good political leader who set a good example to all of us," Ssemwogerere said.

"The more you would come closer to him, the more you would realise how good and friendly he was," he added.