Parliament pays tribute to Sherali Bandali Jaffer

By Moses Mulondo & Cyprian Musoke

PARLIAMENT on Wednesday paid a glowing tribute to the late Kabaka Yekka Member of Parliament in the 1960s and founder of Fairway Hotel Sherali Bandali Jaffer, praising him for his exceptional contribution to the development of Uganda.

Bandali died on December 27, 2014 in Vancouver, Canada, after a long illness and was buried at Kololo cemetery.

The eulogizing session for Bandali was also attended by his children including his daughter Robina Jaffer who is a senator/parliamentarian in Canada.

Others dignitaries included Uganda’s High Commissioner to Canada Alintuma Nsambu, Prince Kasimu Nakibinge, Owekitibwa Rajin Taylor, Hajji Nasser Ntege Ssebagala, and  former deputy premier Kirunda Kivejinja, among others.

Moving the motion for parliament to pass a resolution for the tribute, second deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali commended Bandali “for having been an outstanding investor who created many employment opportunities for Ugandans.”

Describing him as a man who was not sectarian, Gen. Ali commended Bandali for having hosted the pope in 1969 and in 1993 yet he was a Muslim.

Speaking on behalf of the Leader of Opposition, Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda hailed the late Bandali for having created his wealth without stealing public funds like many of today’s government officials and businessmen. 

“He was a member of Kabaka Yekka and a great friend of Sir Edward Mutesa. This is a clear confirmation that contrary to distortions, Buganda kingdom has always been cosmopolitan, accommodating people from all backgrounds,” Nganda argued.

Tororo municipality MP Tanna Sanjay, a Ugandan of Asian origin, said, “I agree with Nganda. Buganda kingdom has been consistent in accommodating all communities. We have had many Ugandans of Asian origin working in the Buganda kingdom like Owekitibwa Rajin Taylor.”

Pointing it out as something that was of great concern to Bandali before he died, Sanjay appealed to parliament and other stakeholders to ensure that the episode of 1972 when Asians were expelled from Uganda never happens again.

Aswa County MP Reagan Okumu appealed to parliament to ensure that efforts are undertaken to reconcile African Ugandans with Ugandans of Asian origin and to ensure that two live together in harmony with equal rights and privileges.

Bukoto South MP Mathias Nsubuga asked Ugandans of Asian origin to emulate Bandali and take over political offices to shape a better Uganda.

Fort-Portal municipality MP Alex Ruhunda said, “Who can be a better patriot like Bandali who never attended patriotism classes. He pioneered the tea industry and Rwenzori hotel in Fort-portal. We should emulate him by stopping tribal and religious discriminations.”