Butaleja World War Soldier Laid to Rest.
By Ambrose Wanagoli.
Thousands of mourners on Saturday gathered in Butaleja District to bid farewell to Mzee Lekoboam Kiwujjo Mwima, a World War veteran who passed away on December 18.
Kiwujjo was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Nahagulu Village, Busaba Sub-county, following a church service held at Bunghoma A Village in the same sub-county
During the service, several speakers praised the deceased for the strong legacy he left behind, particularly his commitment to educating his children and supporting his family.
The service was officiated by Rev. Joel Wafuho, the Archdeacon of Bunyole West Church of Uganda Archdeaconry, who commended Kiwujjo for his generosity and unwavering support to the church. Rev. Wafuho urged the bereaved family to remain united and uphold the values their father stood for.
Maj. Gen. George Igumba, the chief mourner, expressed disappointment over what he described as limited government recognition accorded to Kiwujjo, despite his distinguished military background.
He noted that the deceased had received excellent military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom. Maj. Gen. Igumba blamed past political regimes for the oversight but applauded Beatrice Kiwujjo Osman, a daughter of the deceased, for her relentless efforts to advocate for her father’s welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Beatrice Kiwujjo pledged to maintain unity among her siblings and described her late father as a loving and caring parent. She expressed deep sorrow over his passing.
Moses Mugwe, the Bukedi South Regional Police Spokesperson, and Brig. Gen. Cephas Nangeso, the UPDF officer in charge of security for Bukedi region ahead of the general elections, cautioned mourners against engaging in protests.
They assured the public of tight security as the country approaches the polls.
Mzee Lekoboam Kiwujjo Mwima, who died at the age of 100, is survived by 16 children and 183 grandchildren. He was a widower. Kiwujjo served in Egypt during World War II and later joined the Uganda Police Force, where he served until the 1980s when he lost his eyesight.
