By KT Reporter
Political leaders from the Kigezi and Ankole regions have unanimously endorsed a resolution to name the Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu road after the late renowned businessman, Dr. James Musinguzi Garuga. The decision was made on Sunday afternoon during a special council session held at Garuga’s ancestral home in Kiragiro Village, Nyarurambi Parish, Rugyeyo Sub-county, Kanungu District.
The session, presided over by Kanungu District Speaker Frank Byaruhanga, was convened to honor Garuga’s legacy. The motion was tabled by Kanungu District LC5 Chairperson Sam Arineitwe Kajojo, who said naming the 47-kilometre road — which links Kanungu and Rubanda districts and connects to the Kisoro–Kabale–Ntungamo–Mbarara highway — would recognize Garuga’s achievements, including promoting agriculture through tea growing, developing tourism by establishing an airfield and hotels in Kanungu, and supporting the needy.
Kajojo also proposed that Garuga’s portraits be displayed on billboards at the entry and end of the road.
The motion was seconded by Buhoma Sub-county Councillor Francis Byamukama and Rugyeyo Sub-county Councillor Elias Komwaani. Other leaders in support included Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Stephen Kasyaba, Kisoro District LC5 Chairperson Abel Bizimana, Kisoro Woman MP Grace Akifeeza Ngabirano, and Rukiga County MP Roland Bish Ndyomugyenyi.
However, Kinkiizi West County MP James Rujimana Kaberuka opposed the idea of displaying Garuga’s portraits, noting that he disliked portraits during his lifetime. Speaker Byaruhanga suggested replacing the portraits with tree planting along the roadside to preserve nature, which Garuga valued. The council also resolved to plant trees along the Kihiihi–Ishasha road in his memory.
Born on December 16, 1953, in Kihihi, Kanungu District, Garuga studied at Kinkiizi Primary School, Mbarara High School, Makerere College School (1971–1973), and Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He began his career as an accountant at Rayon Textiles Limited, later joining Shell Uganda. In 1980, he returned to Makerere University to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
In 2001, Garuga contested the Kinkiizi West parliamentary seat against then-Defence Minister Amama Mbabazi. The election was marred by irregularities, and after a successful court petition, a re-election was ordered, which Garuga chose not to contest. A founding member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), he was a strong advocate for democracy and good governance. Outside politics, Garuga is best remembered for founding Kigezi Highland Tea Factories, which provided livelihoods for thousands of farmers.
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