Rukungiri mourns Obote minister Karegyesa

PIC: Karegyesa has been hailed for supporting farmers in Rukungiri

EULOGIES FOR OBOTE MINISTER

RUKUNGIRI - Rukungiri district is mourning the death of Mzee Kham Karekaho Karegyesa, the former deputy minister of animal industry during the Milton Obote II government.

 

Karegyesa, who died on Tuesday, aged 95, represented Rujumbura Constituency in Parliament after Uganda got independence in 1962.

 

Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Mugume told New Vision on Wednesday that Karegyesa was a politician, who did not divide people in the district.

 

"He loved all people — the rich, the poor. He was not involved in the politics of religion. He served the Rukunguri people with one heart," he said.

 

Mugume described the deceased as a development-oriented man. 

 

"He was the first person to introduce the Friesian cattle in Uganda from Kenya and some from Denmark," Mugume said.

 

Mugume said Karegyesa was the man behind the formation of farmers groups in Rukungiri, especially dairy farmers.

 

"Most of the land here is surveyed. It is rare to find a home without a land title. He helped many homes to get titles for their land that enabled them to get loans from the banks," he added.

 

Rev Elisha Waswa of Rukungiri described the late as an industrious person who did not promote tribalism.

 

He also said Karegyesa established Kagogo Coffee Factory in the district which used to employ many people when it was still functioning.

 

"He helped us to set up a diary corporation and it is still functioning. He also introduced dip tanks (constructed wells for cattle dipping) to help farmers control ticks. He helped to start many secondary schools when he was in Obote government such as Makobore High school," he added.

 

By press time, burial arrangements were still being made.