Gen. Nyangweso's death was a shock

Feb 16, 2011

DEATH can be mysterious. In Major General Francis Nyangweso’s case it struck at a time when everyone least expected. Just three days before his death, Nyangweso had attended a Uganda Olympic Committee general assembly at Grand Imperial Hotel.

By JAMES BAKAMA

Burial

Saturday Feb 26

DEATH can be mysterious. In Major General Francis Nyangweso’s case it struck at a time when everyone least expected.

Just three days before his death, Nyangweso had attended a Uganda Olympic Committee general assembly at Grand Imperial Hotel.

The general, who attended the assembly by virtue of being an International Olympic Committee member, not only contributed to the deliberations, but also actively participated in a vote.

Though in a wheelchair, the retired general later couldn’t hide his joy when he was given a long service award together with another veteran Edward Kefa Kiwanuka.

So when it was reported on Tuesday that he had passed on, everyone was shocked. “ It is sad but now I realize that he came to bid us farewell,” said an overwhelmed UOC assistant secretary Nicholas P’Minga.

National Council of Sports general secretary Jasper Aligawesa was equally also caught off balance.

“We had lunch together at Nalongo’s restaurant in Katwe last week and he seemed to be recovering from a recent operation. I actually commended his wife for taking good care of him.”

Those who attended the assembly were awakened to the fact that Nyangweso was up to date with trends. Delegates were surprised that he had closely followed Uganda’s performance at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

He expressed his disappointment that Uganda was not represented in his favorite sport boxing.

But much as he toasted to the UOC award, he also expressed shock that he was being honoured. “I never expected this award. I was kicked out and thought that was it. I am very grateful that I am being honoured.”

On a point of information, after claims that his executive squandered $100,000 (sh230m) for the New Delhi Games preparations, Nyangweso said his team never pocketed the money.

He clarified that the money from the Commonwealth Games Federation was tagged to talent identification, training and a training center.

Meanwhile, Norman Katende adds that the deceased will be buried on Saturday next week. The body will leave Mulago hospital on Wednesday and be taken to the Nyangweso residence in Muyenga.

A requiem mass will be held at Our Lady of Africa church, Mbuya the next day before the body is taken to Busia for burial on Saturday.

“We do not burry on weekdays and this weekend, people will be busy with elections. That leaves us with only one option for next week,” explained Sarah Nyangweso, the daughter of the deceased after a series of family meetings yesterday.
UOC has offered to pay for all burial costs.

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