Amaama Mbabazi Advocates Celebrating Achievements over Age at Kamwesiga’s Funeral

Mugabe Robert

Former Prime Minister of Uganda, Right Hon Amaama Mbabazi, has urged people to shift their focus from celebrating the number of years during send-offs to recognizing achievements. This statement was made on Friday, December 1, 2023, during the funeral of James Vincent Kamwesiga, the former Political Assistant to Mbabazi, who passed away at the age of 51.

James Vincent Kamwesiga had served as the Personal Assistant to Amaama Mbabazi during his tenure as a Member of Parliament for Kinkizi West, Minister for Defence, Minister for Security, and Prime Minister. At the time of his death, he held the position of Principal Assistant Secretary to the Former Prime Minister, who is currently serving as the Presidential Special Envoy on the Great Lakes region, South Sudan, and Ethiopia in the office of the President.

During the funeral, Amaama Mbabazi conveyed a condolence message from his successor, former Prime Minister Right Hon Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, expressing sadness over Kamwesiga’s departure and praising him as a modest worker.

Mbabazi emphasized that Kamwesiga, despite passing away at the age of 51, had accomplished significant duties, challenging mourners to prioritize celebrating achievements over age during send-offs. He drew attention to the example of Jesus Christ, whose widely celebrated life ended at the age of 33.

Rev Father Aloysius Tamale, the Parish Priest of Nyamirama Catholic Parish in Kabale Diocese, encouraged mourners in his sermon to responsibly plan for the number of children they bring into the world, cautioning against relying solely on prayers. He also urged politicians to be humble and genuine in their service to the people.

The wife of the deceased, Alvera Kamwesiga, expressed her wish for her husband to have a peaceful transition to heaven, commending his dedicated service. She encouraged men to care for their families despite their imperfections, emphasizing the responsibility of true men to provide for their families.

Other dignitaries present at the funeral included MP Kinkizi West Hon James Rugi Kaberuka, Former Kanungu District Woman MP Hon Jackline Kyatuhaire, and RDC Kanungu Ambrose Mwesigye, among others.

James Vincent Kamwesiga passed away on November 25, 2023, due to a stroke at Mulago Referral Hospital’s intensive care unit. He is survived by a widow and four children, comprising two boys and two girls.