Kasese mourns former Rwenzururu prime minister

TRIBUTE |
Kasese district is mourning the death of Yolamu Mulima, the first prime minister under King Charles Mumbere Iremangoma.

The kingdom's premier Joseph Kule Muranga has confirmed Mulima's death.

The former prime minister died on Sunday afternoon at Bwera Hospital in Kasese district where he had been battling diabetes, high blood pressure, and pneumonia.

"As a kingdom, we mourn the death of Mzee Mulima, he has been a strong pillar of the kingdom, who cherished peace and unity, Muranga said.

He was the Rwenzururu Kingdom prime minister from 1971 to 1979.

Before his death, Mulima had been the chairperson of the Rwenzururu Movement War Veterans Association.

 In 2015, he was arrested together with other kingdom officials for allegedly organising attacks in the Rwenzori region that left several pastoralists killed in Bigando.

By then he was serving as the kingdom local government minister.

He was later arraigned before the court-martial at Rwenzori Square in Kasese town with five other kingdom ministers on a number of criminal charges in relation to the attacks.

Later on, he was released on account of old age and being innocent of the attacks.

 Mulima has been described by many as a dedicated servant of Rwenzururu kingdom.

Miseri Baluku, a resident of Nyakakindo said Mulima loved his kingdom, which he has served till his death.

"He loved his culture and made sure that the youth also participated in Kingdom activities he has been a great man and we shall miss him, Baluku said.

The Kasese District Chairperson Sibendire Bigogo described his death as a big loss to Kasese. "Mulima has been one of the eminent elders that Kasese District had, therefore, his death is a big blow to us as district leadership," Bigogo said.

Muranga said Mulima's contributions to the Obusinga will forever be remembered.

His family members and Rwenzururu kingdom officials were yet to decide on the burial program by press time.