Banura was a strong NRM pillar, championed development and unity — President Museveni

KIKUUBE - President Yowerei Museveni has paid tribute to the fallen Kikuube district Chairman Peter Banura, who perished in a road crash.

Banura, the son of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza died on April 4, after he was hit by a fast-moving commuter taxi in Butyamba-Kamusunsi village, Kiziranfumbi Town Council, along Hoima Fort Road.

The incident occurred moments after he stopped by the roadside to drop off casual  workers returning from his farm.

During the funeral on Thursday, President Museveni said Banura has been a strong pillar in the NRM Party who championed development and unity of people. 

He noted that Banura showed courage by offering leadership in a newly formed district, adding that he will be remembered for all the developmental projects that he initiated in Kikuube district.

“During his short tenure as district chairman of Kikuube, it is evident that he had the trust of the population in Kikuube district because he championed a pro people agenda by prioritising unity, wealth creation, construction of roads, tourism and environmental conservation in NRM.

We consider leadership as an opportunity to solve the problem of the people, NRM fighters among whom Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza solved the problem of bad leadership and helped to rebuild the pillars of the state, that is to say, the army,” reads parts of the President's statement delivered by Prime Minister Robbina Nabbajja during the burial in Rumina , Buhimba town council, Kikuube district on Thursday. 

Janipher Namuyangu, the Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, holding a portrait of the deceased Banura and other leaders as they received his remains. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)

Museveni, on behalf of the Government and the NRM Party, extended heartfelt sympathy to Gen. Matayo Kyaligonza and the entire family upon the loss.

In his statement, the President also commensurated "with the people of Kikuube and all the people of Uganda who have been affected by the tragic death of such a young patriotic leader.”   

After annpouncing President Museveni's contribution of sh20 million towards funeral expenses, Premier Nabajja said that there is a need to have a regulation that will help people to know how to use the road as one way of tackling road accidents.

“Honourable Minister Katumba, Minister of Works, the government has developed the road, but these roads are killing our people. We need to have regulations that will help us to sensitise our boda-bodas and taxi drivers to ensure that they use these roads safely,” she stated.

Several leaders in their eulogies described Barura as a budding politician with exceptional leadership skills, also calling on security and the judiciary to arrest and prosecute the driver of the "killer" vehicle.

They included: Matia Kasija, the Minister of Finance, Janipher Namuyangu, Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga and Steven Asera Itaza, the Buhaguzi East member of Parliament in Kikuube district.

Vicente Opio, vice chairman of Kikuube district, said Banura was a leader with a listening ear who did not make decisions without consulting the council.

He highlighted Banura’s advocacy for environmental conservation, turning the district into a tourism destination.

Opio noted that Banura had presented a motion to turn Bugoma Forest Reserve into a wildlife reserve and appealed to the government to implement his dream.

Andrew Moses Awanyi, president of the Uganda Local Government Association and Kole District LCV Chairperson, said that the state of mental health in Country is causing many problems.

He noted that many people are living with mental issues, yet they drive on the road, and they end up causing accidents, which end up claiming the lives of innocent other road users.

Maj. Gen Kyaligonza, who urged Ugandans to exhibit the spirit of unity and patriotism, also commended the people for supporting him since the demise of his son.

The deceased’s wife, Mebo Ajuna, and the orphans during the funeral of their fallen father, Banura. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)

“Thanks so much for this solidarity, let this spirit not continue for Kyaligonza and Banura, keep it for the people of Bunyoro, Uganda and East Africa, do not look at yourself as people of Banyoro but look at yourself as people of Uganda and East Africa,” he said.

Calling for unity and love, the retired senior UPDF officer also cautioned against divisions based on tribes or religion.
 
Mebo Ajuna described her husband as a kind and loving father. “We have lost him, but we have nothing to do since he is God who gives and takes”.

Peter Banura was a pioneer LCV Chairman of Kikuube district, which was created in 2017 after he won the 2021 general election.

Aged 48 years, he was survived with three children and one wife.