The Omukama of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Dr Solomon Gafabusa Rukirabasaija Iguru, has joined other leaders across Bunyoro to mourn the former Kingdom speaker, Owek. Isaac Kalembe Akiiki.
Kalembe passed on in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at Kirudu Hospital in Kampala after a short illness, according to a family source.
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.
In a statement issued by Andrew Byakutaga, the Kingdom Prime Minister, Omukama Iguru is saddened by the death of Kalembe, whom he described as a strong pillar of development, a writer, dedicated, Intellectual, intelligent, and resourceful person in the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and the country at large.
Iguru says Kalembe was always passionate about the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and that he would attend all the cultural activities in the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. He further described the deceased as a kind, hospitable, and generous person whose love for the Kingdom was overwhelming, noting that the Kingdom has lost a strong pillar and an icon who will be dearly missed.
Fred Mugenyi Rucunya, the Okwir (Chief Prince) of the 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 the country has lost a Library of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
According to Rucunya, the deceased carried the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom flag high and successfully managed the affairs of the Rukurato (Parliament) during his time as the speaker (Omutalindwa).
Robert Rukahemura, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s Social Service and Cultural Officer, said Kalembe has left a big impact in the Rukurato (Parliament) by greatly influencing the way of doing business, especially in areas of timekeeping.
Robert Rukahemura, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom’s Social Service and Cultural Officer, said Kalembe has left a big impact in the Rukurato (Parliament) by greatly influencing the way of doing business, especially in areas of timekeeping.
According to Rukahemura, he enjoyed working with Kalembe between 2001 and 2003 when he (Kalembe) was the station manager of Bunyoro Broadcasting Services (BBS), a Radio station based in Masindi town. He says the late was a real mentor who loved working with all categories of people.
Pius Wakabi, the Bugahya County Member of Parliament, has described the deceased as a peace-loving leader who inspired many youths in the region to serve and love Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. He said death has robbed Bunyoro of a true leader who has always been at the forefront of agitating for the Bunyoro Kingdom development agenda.
Ismail Kasule, the Member of Parliament for Hoima West Division, has described the late Kalembe as 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.
Hoima LC5 Chairperson Uthman Kadir Mugisa mourned Kalembe as a man who believed in honesty and spoke frankly about issues affecting Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
Harrison Magezi, a veteran Journalist in Hoima who worked with the deceased on Bunyororo Broadcasting Services (BBS) 98.2 in Masindi District in 2000, said the late Kalembe was an experienced journalist who mentored many, and above all, he was a Promoter of publications, especially about Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom.
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-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
