Anthem composer George William Kakoma passes on

By Henry Sekanjako

THE National Anthem composer Prof George Kakoma is dead. According to the Widow Mrs. Maria Tereza Kakoma, he died this morning at Kololo in Kampala.

“It is true he is dead we now are preparing to take his body to Mulago hospital” said Mrs. Kakoma.  

Mrs Kakooma noted that he died at 6.00am in Kololo where he has been fighting a long battle with illness.

The 88 yr old anthem composer suffered a stroke in August 2011 and has been using facial expressions to communicate.

Kakoma who has been bedridden for close to one year was first admitted at Nsambya hospital on February 23 2011 before he was transferred to Nakasero hospital in April and later discharged. Before his death, Kakoma has been receiving treatment at his daughter’s home in Kololo.

The national anthem composer has died a few months to the nation’s landmark anniversary when Uganda will be celebrating 50 years of independence.

Kakoma will be remembered as a great nationalist and for his strong love of Uganda.