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CELEBRATING LIFE 

Mzee Elijah Nyakahima Basobokwe was a revered elder in Uganda who passed away on November 19, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of outstanding service, compassion and leadership. 

He was a dedicated husband, father and community leader who touched many lives through his various endeavours. Basobokwe was born in Kasooni, Rwamucucu sub-county, in the former Kigezi district, in 1924. 

He was married to Grace Joy and they had 10 children together, six of whom are still alive. He was a devoted father and husband, who treated all his children equally. 

Basobokwe was a man of many talents and passions. He was a skilled entrepreneur who started a successful dairy farm and other agricultural businesses. 

His dedication to education was unwavering and he founded several schools in Kigezi district, empowering many young learners to pursue their dreams.

As a community leader, Basobokwe was highly respected for his integrity, honesty and accountability. 

He was a pioneer in promoting co-operatives, founding Mparo SACCOS, a savings co-operative society with over 10,000 members and leading Kangondo Co-operative, another initiative aimed at improving the lives of his community. 

His legacy continues to live on through his children, grandchildren, and the communities he served. Basobokwe’s son-in-law, John Kikyere Twinomusinguzi, describes him as a man of sharp intellect, deep integrity, and outstanding leadership skills.

Taught children who shaped Kigezi’s education foundation 

Doreen Basobokwe is a senior auditor at the Bank of Uganda (BOU), Norman Busobokwe, is the former head of the Revenue Protection Service at Uganda Revenue Authority, as well as his son-in-law, John Kikyere Twinomusinguzi, who is the former managing director of Uganda Development Bank. 

His grandchildren now serve the country diligently, like he once guided.

Alice Basobokwe, a daughter now in private business, was a former board member of the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation, Enid Basobokwe was a former managing director of Kim Home Furnishing Ltd), Hope Basobokwe is a pioneer business lady in bridal wear and Susan Busobokwe is an expatriate living in the United Kingdom. 

His life and times 

Twinomusinguzi paid tribute to Basobokwe in a special manner. “He gave me his daughter, Enid, as my wife, my companion and my soulmate. This was in 1976 when she was still studying at Makerere University,” he said. 

I know it is hard to be completely impartial about someone you love, but I can say with honesty that he was a man of sharp intellect, deep integrity and outstanding leadership skills, Twinomusinguzi added. 

“It can be challenging to maintain complete objectivity when speaking about someone you love. However, I have no moral reservations in stating that my late father-in-law was a man of remarkable mental acuity, profound integrity and outstanding leadership qualities.” 

At the time of his death, Basobokwe held the position of chairperson in the Rukiga Traders Association and served as a board member of Kigezi Twimukye, the leading district business association in the region. 

He lived a fulfilling, rewarding, and honourable life, exemplifying the essence of genuine, innate leadership qualities, bolstered by his generosity of spirit, commitment to service and selflessness. 

Twenty years after his passing, Basobokwe’s memory continues to inspire his family and the community. His dedication to service, compassion and leadership serve as a guiding light for future generations. 

The family requests prayers and plans to sell the idea to start a Local Education Foundation in Basobokwe’s name. 

A celebration of his life was held recently at his ancestral home in Rwamucuucu, Rukiga district, where family, friends and in-laws shared memories of this extraordinary man.