Bunyoro Kitara kingdom eulogises fallen youth, education minister
Aged 41, Baguma had spent two months in coma after he collapsed moments after a radio talk show in Hoima. He was survived by 10 children and two wives.
The late John Baguma
HOIMA - On Wednesday, hundreds of people from different corners of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom flocked Butebere village in Nyakabungu ward in Hoima west division, Hoima city, to give a befitting send-off to John Baguma, the former Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Minister for education and Youth, who died on Sunday night at Mulango Hospital.
Aged 41, Baguma had spent two months in coma after he collapsed moments after a radio talk show in Hoima.
He was survived by 10 children and two wives.
At the burial, Chief Prince (Okwiri)of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Fred Mugenyi Ruchunya, praised Buguma as a person who served the kingdom diligently and loved to see the kingdom moving forward without seeking his personal interest.
He noted that, unlike other youth, Baguma loved his kingdom, and he started working for the kingdom at a young age.
He praised Baguma for promoting education and sports in the kingdom, adding that during his time as minister for education, he lobbied for bursaries which helped children of poor parents.
He added that the deceased also lobbied for CNOOC Amasaza cup tournament, which helped in identifying and developing youth talents.
He noted that Baguma was an icon in the kingdom and challenged the political, religious and Kingdom leaders to always give Bunyoro first priority instead of focusing on their individual benefit.
“We should all focus on the agenda that takes forward our kingdom, despite your political or religious affiliation, let us not focus on our individual benefit, this is the spirit of Baguma,” he said.
The Hoima district woman Member of Parliament, Harriet Businge, also described Baguma as a man who advocated for the education and development of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
She noted that Baguma started Kabalega Royal Institute, but when the idea to start Bunyoro University came, he (Baguma) offered the premises of his institute, which gave birth to Gulu University, Hoima campus and called on the Kingdom subjects to emulate Baguma's example.
Princess Dian Mugenyi, who is also the director Premier Secondary School in Hoima city, where the deceased has been working as assistant resident director, said that Baguma was devoted to his kingdom's development.
Mourners attending the burial of John Baguma, the former Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Minister for education and youth. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)
He described him as a man of integrity who never tolerated any form of bribery or being compromised.
"Baguma is irreplaceable, there is nobody who can fit in the shoes of Baguma," she eulogised.
In reference to the ongoing political campaigns, Western Region National Resistance Movement Vice Chairman (NRM) Jonard Asiimwe cautioned Bunyoro Kitara kingdom subjects against engaging in election violence.
Asiimwe underscored the need for the public to advocate for peaceful campaigns to ensure peaceful elections come 2026 general election.
He warned the NRM and opposition supporters against the acts of provocation, which he said sometimes result in fighting.
He also urged the people of Bunyoro to support President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM candidates to ensure they get a big victory in the upcoming election.
“I am appealing to you to support your party, NRM and let us also work with other political parties, let us not fight to ensure that our country is involved in peaceful elections”, he advised.