Henry Kyemba, a former minister in the Idi Amin regime, endured a prolonged struggle with various health issues, including diabetes, as disclosed by a family member. The news of Kyemba’s passing was confirmed by his nephew, Christopher Katagwa, who shared the sad news in a telephone interview with a local news paper on Thursday. The former minister breathed his last on Wednesday evening.
Mr. Katagwa, while speaking on behalf of the family, conveyed their awareness of Kyemba’s long-standing battle with diabetes. Although unverified sources had hinted at additional age-related health concerns, such as prostate cancer, the family’s primary acknowledgment remained the diabetes issue.
According to former lands minister Daudi Migereko, Mr. Kyemba’s health had been deteriorating since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Migereko, who also serves as the chairperson of the Uganda Tourism Board and a close family friend, mentioned that Kyemba had relocated from Jinja to Kampala to receive regular medical attention. He went on to explain that Kyemba had been residing with his daughter, Suzan Kyemba, in Namugongo, a suburb of Kampala.
Praising the late minister, Migereko described Kyemba as one of the country’s most knowledgeable individuals. He highlighted Kyemba’s role as the private secretary to President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote during the post-independence era, extending up to his overthrow in 1971.
Jinja Resident District Commissioner Richard Gulume expressed his condolences on social media, expressing his sorrow at the passing of the 83-year-old former health minister from the Idi Amin government.
Details regarding Kyemba’s burial arrangements remained uncertain at the time of reporting. However, Christopher Katagwa confirmed that the deceased would be laid to rest at their ancestral home in Wanyama, located in Jinja city’s northern division. Kyemba was the last surviving son among the seven children of Suzan Babarizangawo and Suleman Kisadha.
Henry Kyemba had served in various capacities in three different governments, namely those of Dr. Milton Apollo Obote, Idi Amin Dada, and the current ruling National Resistance Movement. His roles included state minister for agriculture and minister for the presidency.
