Cancer kills FRONASA fighter

May 29, 2008

ZUBAIRI Bakari, one of the freedom fighters who participated in the liberation of the country from Idi Amin’s dictatorship, is dead.

By Henry Mukasa and Luke Kagiri

ZUBAIRI Bakari, one of the freedom fighters who participated in the liberation of the country from Idi Amin’s dictatorship, is dead.

Bakari, a former member of the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), which was led by President Yoweri Museveni, died of cancer at Mulago Hospital on Wednesday.

He was yesterday buried at his home in Sekanyonyi, Mityana district.

Bakari is survived by three wives and 15 children.

In October, Bakari was appointed presidential adviser on Kampala, a post he held until his death.

He had for long served as resident districts commissioner in various districts, his last station being Bugiri district.

Museveni said Bakari was one of the people who fought for the peace and growth evident in the country.

“He was vital in the transformation of this country. As we mourn, I appreciate the commitment he portrayed in the execution of duties as RDC and presidential adviser. The nation shall remain appreciating his invaluable service,” Museveni noted.

His condolence message was delivered by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Alhaji Kirunda Kivejinja.

In his biography, Sowing The Mustard Seed, Museveni wrote that he entered Tanzania in 1971 with Bakari for exile and to begin the struggle.

He mentions Bakari several times and points out that he was a member of the workers’ cell that was based in Kampala.

Alice Muwanguzi, the Kampala resident district commissioner, described Bakari as a person who was committed to his work.

“He loved his nation and worked hard to serve it.”

Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya asked the Government to appoint more Muslims to public offices because Bakari showed they can perform diligently.

Defence minister Crispus Kiyonga attended Bakari’s burial.

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