When you go back, tell President Museveni that the Bamasaba are happy with the gesture of granting the late Umukuka Emeritus Wilson Weasa Wamimbi an official burial,” the reigning Umukuka of Bamasaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, conveyed this message on behalf of the Bamasaba.
The Umukuka III, meanwhile, appealed to the Government of Uganda to expedite the process of granting a public university to the Bamasaba, a promise the president had made while in Kapchorwa on official duty. The Umukuka III also proposed the construction of a strategic research institute in memory of the late Wamimbi, but above all, appealed for unity and encouraged his subjects to focus on development and education.
Bishop John Nandaah of the Mbale Diocese, in addition to his homilies, also took the opportunity to caution the youth against disrespecting elders. He further appealed to the government to construct a 4-kilometer road from Nyondo up to Busano. Other speakers appealed to the government to identify some Bamasaba and provide them with jobs such as those of RDCs.
“Only two ministers from Masabaland, out of all those votes that the Bamasaba give President Museveni,” wondered Hon. Nambeshe, the MP for Manjiya.
The Vice President, representing the president, presented 10 million shillings on behalf of President Museveni to the bereaved family of the late Wilson Weasa Wamimbi. She also contributed 5 million shillings to Inzuymasaba for the loss of their first Umukuka, emphasized Hon. Gidudu Mafabi, who read her speech.
Tripartite council meetings were held in the districts of Manafwa, Bududa, and Namisindwa, and much earlier in Sironko and Bulambuli, specifically to pay tribute to Umukuka Emeritus Wilson Weasa Wamimbi. They resolved to request the Government and fellow local councils in Bugisu to name a central road in Mbale City in memory of the late Wamimbi, the first Umukuka in Inzuymasaba. This message was equally emphasized by Mzee Wetangula, the father of the current speaker of the Kenyan parliament.
Wilson Weasa Wamimbi left behind 63 children and grandchildren. He was accorded an official burial by the Government of Uganda, and the Vice President, Major Jesca Alupo, represented President Museveni. The burial ceremony was funded by the government up to the tune of 150 million shillings. As is customary in such official burial ceremonies, a 3-gun salute was observed. Most of this money was spent on hiring the Aplus funeral service vans and services, as well as feeding mourners, among other expenses.
The Inzuymasaba leadership, led by Umukuka HRH Jude Mike Mudoma, appreciated the government for officially burying Wilson Weasa Wamimbi, who served as LC V Chairman of Mbale, RDC, and Uganda’s ambassador to Canada. He was laid to rest on Sunday, April 20th, at 3 pm sharp.
(The photo below shows Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma meeting with a Kenyan delegation at the burial ceremony.)
The writer is also the spokesperson for Inzuymasaba.
