Museveni mourns Kakoma, directs on national anthem singing

By Joyce Namutebi

All the three stanzas of the national anthem will from now on be sung on national functions contrary to what has been happening, President Yoweri Museveni has directed.

'Government has decided that the three stanzas of the national anthem from now will be sung at national functions instead of two as has been the case," Museveni said in his condolence message at the funeral service for the late Prof. George Wilberforce Kakoma held at St. Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe on Friday.

The message was read by the Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service, Henry Kajura to hundreds of mourners who thronged the Cathedral to pay their last respects to Kakoma, the composer of the national anthem.

Kakoma, 89, died April 8. Burial is tomorrow (Saturday) at his ancestral home in Wakiso District.

The President assured that the government would institute deliberate efforts to ensure that many Ugandans can sing and appreciate the message so that patriotism can be enhanced for the future.

Mourners included ministers from both Central Government and Buganda Government, family, relatives and friends. The service was characterized my music presentations from family members, friends and the people he inspired. All expenses were met by the State.

Museveni said he was deeply touched that because Kakoma had not made it to Uganda's golden jubilee celebrations. "It would have been an honour to have him around."

The deceased, he said, had played his part and pointed out that the challenge for the rest of the people is to question whether their actions contribute to the development of the motherland. "We are proud that he made his contribution through music. Emulate him and use your God given talents."

He pointed out that for a long time, people thought Art was an element of entertainment and not as a business, but that now, more and more people are getting involved in the discipline as a way of life.

In a long eulogy laced with humour Kakoma's wife, Mary Theresa Kakoma narrated how she made many friends during the time of her husband's illness including President Museveni, who on several occasions extended financial assistance to her for clearing hospital bills.

She appealed to officers responsible to implement Museveni's offer to her of four dairy cows. She described Kakoma as a very humble person, who never exalted himself above anyone else. "He never sat like the typical Baganda men to be served."

"He was like an Englishman in behaviour," she added.

She said her husband lived a modest life by choice despite having come from the upper class and refuted press reports that he died a poor man.

On calls that his family be paid for his contribution Mrs. Kakoma said, "When we ask for monetary compensation it is like we do not know him. Money is a short term vision yet he had a very long term vision about everything. I believe the real contribution to my beloved George is to emulate his example and live the values he stood for."

The wife and children thanked Juma Matanda who nursed Kakoma throughout his sickness and admitted him into their family.

The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Mutebi in a condolence message delivered by the Second Deputy Katikkiro, Muhamood Ssekimpi said Kakoma well known for his love for his country and culture, and a person who worked very well with everybody.

Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba in a condolence message read by the Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Oswald Ndolerire described the deceased as a national hero who has left behind "beautiful seeds of selflessness which should be emulated by all."