Parliament to honour Eriya Kategaya

The Ugandan Parliament is due to pay tribute to fallen First Deputy Prime Minister, Eriya Kategaya this Tuesday, an official government communication indicates.

Recognized as one of Uganda’s longest-serving politicians, news of Kategaya’s death streamed in Saturday evening from Nairobi, Kenya where he had been hospitalized.

He was battling a condition called thrombosis, caused by a blockage preventing the flow of blood in the body, reports showed.

He is said to have breathed his last at around EAT 7.30 pm at Nairobi Hospital.

His body will lie in state in Parliament for public viewing – which will include paying final respects and signing in the condolence book.

The exercise is scheduled to start at EAT 9.30am, after which the casket will be trolleyed to the Parliamentary Chambers at EAT 2.00 pm for Members of Parliament to pay their tributes and eulogise the fallen politician.

News of his death has since its relay, attracted public attention within and outside the country.

The government, through an official communication via phone shortly after his death, said it regretted Kategaya’s passing.

Ugandans living in the county and those in the Diaspora have mourned the passing on of one of Uganda’s longest serving cabinet ministers, which spans over some 35 and more years.

Others have shared nostalgic personal experiences with the man who was said to be a very close friend of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni right from their early life in school.

At the time of his death, Kategaya was serving as the Minister of East African Community Affairs.