The Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom on Thursday paid tribute to the former Speaker (Omutalindwa) Owek. Isaac Kalembe Akiiki. Kalembe passed on in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at Kirudu Hospital in Kampala after a short illness.
Omukama Iguru, in 2018, appointed Kalembe as the Omutalindwa (Speaker) of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom parliament (Orukurato). He served in that capacity up to 2023. The Kingdom officials gathered at the Kingdom chambers as they eulogized Kalembe.
Andrew Byakutaga, the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Prime Minister described the late Kalembe as a resourceful, developmental,dedicated and a writer who was passionate about Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
Byakutaga said the deceased love for the kingdom was overwhelming adding that the Kingdom has lost a strong pillar and an icon who will be dearly missed by people in the kingdom.
According to Byakutaga, the late Kalembe was a devoted servant of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, adding that the deceased was one of the best Runyoro-Rutoro writers in the country and across the world whose works have preserved Bunyoro’s regional and national heritage.
Dr.Fred Kaliisa Kabagambe, the Chairperson of the Bunyoro Kitara Royal Commission said the late Kalembe during his time as the speaker (Omutalindwa) executed his duties with high level of professionalism and integrity adding that he was a good time manager.
Dr.Aliba Kiiza, the Chairperson of the board of Microfinance Support Centre (MSC) said the deceased was at the forefront of promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom both locally and internationally.
Eng. Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwiri (Chief Prince) of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom said the late Kalembe has been an influential figure in preserving and promoting Bunyoro culture at regional, national, and international levels, adding that bunyoro and the country has lost a resourceful person.
Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Badru Mugabe described the late Kalembe as a leader who clearly appreciated the responsibility that comes with leadership adding that he was unique and professional as he performed his duties.
Kalembe is widely respected as a historian of the Bunyoro region. His notable work, Omukama Cwa II Kabaleega: A Life and Legacy, 1853–1923, provides a comprehensive account of the life and legacy of the legendary King Kabalega, contributing significantly to the preservation and dissemination of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s history.
He championed efforts to document, archive, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. Kalembe will be laid to rest on Friday in Kitoba Sub County in Hoima district-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
