Authorities in Jinja City have decided to rename a road in the city after the late former minister, Henry Kyemba, who passed away on October 18 in Namugongo, Kampala, at the age of 86. The decision was unanimously passed by the city’s authorities.
Mr. Kyemba, who served as the Minister of Culture and Community Development in Former President Idi Amin’s government in 1972 and as Minister of Health from 1973 to 1977, went into exile in 1977. He returned during President Museveni’s regime and served as a minister in various ministries.
The Deputy Jinja City Mayor, Ms. Fazira Kauma, proposed the motion to rename Radio Road as Henry Kyemba Road, and the proposal was quickly adopted.
The late Mr. Kyemba’s body lay at Jinja City Hall for last respects, attended by friends, political opponents, former classmates, and workmates.
Jinja City Speaker, Mr. Bernard Mbayo, acknowledged that renaming the road might cause inconveniences, especially for property owners on the road, but assured that the City Council, following Local Government guidelines, will handle all necessary procedures.
Col (Rtd) Tony Otto, a friend of the deceased for over 30 years, fondly recalled their friendship as being like family.
Ms. Georgina Tumusiime, the President of the Rotary Club of Source of the Nile, represented Rotary Clubs in Jinja, where Mr. Kyemba was a member and served as District Governor. She suggested that the government should recognize Mr. Kyemba by establishing a library in his memory. She celebrated his service and integrity, emphasizing his dedication to humanity.
Jinja City Mayor, Mr. Peter Okocha Kasolo, shared his personal connection with the deceased, recalling their first meeting before he entered politics. He mentioned learning from Mr. Kyemba’s book, “A State of Blood,” in which he documented eyewitness accounts of President Idi Amin’s alleged brutality and reign of terror.
Mr. Kyemba’s widow, Ms. Janet Kyemba, expressed her gratitude to the government for providing her husband with a dignified burial. She highlighted his lifelong commitment to fighting corruption.
