The former ICT minister and Samia-Bugwe South MP, Aggrey Awori, will be laid to rest on Saturday in Kibimba village, Buluguyi sub-county in Bugiri district.

“We have a family home in Kibimba amongst other family homes in Busia district,” Baisama Awori, one of his sons, told New Vision on Wednesday.

He said they will adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meant to combat the spread of COVID-19 during the burial.

“It is going to be a small burial as per SOPs so that everybody remains healthy. So, we are not going to have any gatherings. There is no vigil even in Kampala where his body is,” Baisama, the Toyota Uganda general manager, said.

On June 6, President Yoweri Museveni directed that only 20 people be allowed at any burial ceremony to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Awori, who was a presidential candidate in 2001 elections but lost to incumbent Museveni, died of COVID-19 on Monday at TMR International Hospital in Naalya, a Kampala suburb.

Known to be a likeable and friendly fellow by many, Awori died at the age of 82.

Celebrating his life

Baisama said as a family, they were greatly saddened by his death, but they were celebrating his life.

“We celebrate the time the Lord allowed him to be with us,” he said, noting that Awori was a politician who responded to adoration by his people in Busia with an inspiring aura of selflessness.