Amuriat rebukes govt for failing to honour Nabwiso

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Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat has rebuked the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party Government for failing to honour veteran politician Prof. Dr Frank Nabwiso with either an official or state funeral.

Both funerals are government-funded but state ones are held in honour of those who have served the country. They are reserved for a President, Prime Minister or a very high-ranking political figure.

Amuriat says Nabwiso was suitable to be honoured with either of the burials having contributed significantly to the struggle that brought the then National Resistance Army into power.

He says Nabwiso was among the freedom fighters serving as the Secretary of the NRA external wing as he lived in exile in Nairobi, Kenya which enabled them to liberate Uganda.

According to Amuriat, the deceased was also a secretary on the side of President Yoweri Museveni and his group during the 1985 peace talks.

Whereas Nabwiso died a staunch FDC member, Amuriat says the deceased’s background was evident enough for NRM to celebrate him.

Speaking in the Jinja city council special meeting in which it honoured its gallant son at the main hall on December 20, 2024, Amuriat accused the Government of double standard by being selective while giving such burials to individuals.

Whereas he was happy with President Yoweri Museveni’s sh20m contribution towards his burial arrangements, Amuriat said this was not enough based on the roles he played to bring this government into power!

“I am happy that Museveni has contributed sh20m towards the funeral but it is disheartening that Nabwiso has not been accorded the honour that should have been accorded,” he stated.

He added: “I have seen people who have no or very little contribution whatsoever to this country being honoured with an official or even state funeral but why was Nabwiso not given such honour?”

Jinja district's Kagoma North legislator, Brandon Kintu, who is also the spokesperson of the NRM parliamentary caucus wrote to the President and speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among informing them officially of Nabwiso’s death.

FDC members led by Amuriat (far left with micro phone) standing around the casket containing Nabwiso's body as they sang thieir slogan while flashing the party sign at the city hall on Friday. (Credit: Jackie nambogga)

Having served in the Seventh Parliament with his liberation history, many Basoga expected Nabwiso to be taken to Parliament for honour which was not done.

John Basoga, a vendor at the Jinja Central Market, said Nabwiso’s body was fit to be taken to Parliament even when he died a staunch FDC leader.

Like the party president, Basoga claimed double standards with the Government’s application of according special burials to people who had greatly contributed to nation-building.

The special council session that was presided over by Jinja City Council speaker, Bernard Mbayo, attracted mourners from different political parties including those from the ruling NRM who paid tribute to the deceased.

Fredrick Mbagadhi said the former Kagoma MP was a great man who served Uganda with commitment and dedication.

Mbagadhi, a commissioner in charge of RCCs and RDCs in charge of Kampala metropolitan, said Nabwiso’s record of service in the House, his constituency and in public speaks volumes.

Christine Kagoya Nabwiso, the widow and one of their sons Andrew Nabwiso during a special Jinja city council meeting in which the deceased was honoured on Friday. (Credit: Jackie Nambogga)

Meanwhile, the Jinja Resident City Commissioner, Richard Gulume, who announced the sh20m contribution from Museveni explained how they were expecting him early next year for his Parish Development Model (PDM) trail in Busoga.

He said during his tour, they incorporated his courtesy visit to Nabwiso’s home to lay a wreath on his grave.

However, Amuriat insisted that this was not enough.

He said if the people of Busoga chose not to complain, he needed to bring it out as a leader of the party that he belonged to.

“If the people of Busoga are not going to complain, me as the leader of the FDC will complain openly in this council and this has to be put on the record,” he said

On the other hand, Amuriat commended the Basoga for not waiting for Museveni and his government to honour their son by prioritising the initiative of taking his body around the region.

His body lay in state at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi proceeding with prayers at All Saints Cathedral Nakasero being it was conveyed back home in Busoga on Wednesday.

It was welcomed at the New Nile bridge in pomp and made a stopover at Igar Café along the Jinja main street at about 9:30pm for public viewing before proceeding to Iganga where he owned a home.

Prayers were held at All Saints Cathedral Iganga before it was taken to their origin district of Kaliro where the council paid tribute to him.

Amuriat said this exhibited the recognition and true love they had towards their son.

“People of Busoga thank you very much for not waiting for the sympathy of the current regime in recognizing your own son, you have proved his worth and this has been evident when local governments honour him” he said.

During the meeting, Agnes Kadama (Jinja West) moved a motion to rename one of their roads after Nabwiso for his immense contributions and services.

Kadama described him as a true game of their times who sacrificed to work for his nation humbly and quietly.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we remember his dedication who worked tirelessly to cause positive change in Busoga and Uganda at large. Nabwiso was not just a leader but a mentor to many with a passion for justice, the voiceless and his commitment in improving our city,” she accounted.

Meanwhile, Irene Wakabi (Jinja East) seconded the motion but challenged fellow politicians to learn to be honest, transparent and friendly.

Nabwiso was laid to rest on Saturday.