Staff Reporter
On Sunday, President Yoweri Museveni joined hundreds of mourners in Katungu Cell, Central Division of Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, to honor the late Yorokamu Kamacerere, a former Special District Administrator who passed away at the age of 81.
In a message delivered by Senior Presidential Advisor on Public Relations, Ms. Mary Karooro Okurut, Museveni lauded Kamacerere as an incorruptible and noble statesman who dedicated his life to community transformation. Museveni highlighted Kamacerere’s role as one of the early pioneers of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), which later evolved into the National Resistance Movement (NRM). He praised Kamacerere as a key mobilizer and a courageous figure who stood firm in his political beliefs despite facing severe adversity.
“He was a true hero; his courage and conviction in the face of extreme adversity are a testament to the power of the human spirit. His refusal to renounce his political beliefs during Uganda’s turbulent times, even under severe torture, demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice everything for his principles,” the message read. Museveni further noted that the struggle for freedom, justice, and human rights often involves significant challenges and sacrifices.
The deceased’s wife, Ms. Gloria Odur, described her husband as a devoted family man, a promoter of development, and a peace-loving individual who was punctual and disciplined. “I fell for him when he was serving as the Special District Administrator for Kumi District. His time management was unmatched, but above all, he was a loving family man who cherished his children,” she said. Odur also highlighted Kamacerere’s generosity, trustworthiness, and commitment to community welfare.
Daughter Peace Kyobutungi shared that her father suffered a brain injury that led to paralysis and a coma. “Despite our hope for his recovery, he developed acute pneumonia. As a family, we decided to honor his wishes and allow the doctors to turn off the ventilation when it became clear that he was beyond recovery,” she explained.
Former Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Yonah Mwesigwa Katoonene, urged mourners to follow Kamacerere’s example of community unity and hard work. He noted that Kamacerere’s contributions would be remembered not only by his family but by the entire Bushenyi community. “As we mourn, let us also have hope and remember that the late was a family man who loved his church. As Christians, we must put God first in all our endeavors,” he said.
Resident William Muhanguzi of Katungu Cell described Kamacerere as a disciplinarian with a strong passion for education. “We have lost a man of great integrity who cared deeply for his community and the educational development of its people. Growing up, we understood the importance of education because of his high standards,” he remarked.
Yorokamu Kamacerere was born in April 1943 in Kitagata Parish, Kyeizooba Sub-County, now part of Bushenyi District. He was one of twelve children—six boys and six girls. He attended Kabwehe Primary School, Mbarara High School, and Ntare School for A-Level before studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Education (Biology and Chemistry) at Makerere University. Kamacerere taught at Kyambogo Technical College, Mbarara High School, Muntoyera High School Kitunga, and Bweranyangi Girls’ Secondary School in Bushenyi District. He later served as District Administrator for Kumi District and as Resident District Commissioner for Rakai, Bundibugyo, Mbarara, Rukungiri, and Kasese. He is survived by his widow and seven children.
