The Government of Uganda has announced its decision to provide official burials for the former king of Bugisu, Wilson Wamimbi, and former minister Martin Aliker.
Miria Babalanda, the Minister of the Presidency, confirmed this development on Monday, April 25, 2024, through a statement on social media. She conveyed that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has granted official burials for the recently deceased eminent individuals, including Wamimbi and Aliker.
In her statement, Babalanda extended sympathies to the bereaved communities and families, expressing prayers for the souls of the departed to rest in eternal peace.
Martin Aliker, a distinguished figure, passed away at the age of 95. He was renowned as a dental surgeon and a prominent businessman, serving on the boards of numerous companies such as Coca-Cola, Uganda Breweries, Stanbic Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank. Born in Gulu District in 1925, Aliker received his education from Kings College Budo and Makerere University. He obtained a doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) from Northwestern University in Chicago in 1959. Throughout his life, Aliker held directorships in various companies, contributing significantly to Uganda’s business landscape.
Wilson Wamimbi, who passed away after a prolonged illness at Kiruddu Hospital, was elected as the Umukhuka (king) in August 2010. His victory came after years of Joseph Kanyanya’s leadership, during which he had attempted to establish his authority at Mutoto, the heart of Bamasaba cultural activities. However, the Bamasaaba community resisted this move, as they had not recognized a royal family since the 1960s when Y. B. Mungoma served as Umuinga until the abolition of kingdoms by Obote.
Wamimbi’s election marked a significant moment for the Bamasaba community, providing them with a renewed sense of cultural leadership after decades without a recognized cultural institution.
