Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Jinja authorities have honored the memory of the late Henry Kyemba, a former minister who passed away on October 18 at the age of 86 in Namugongo, Kampala. In recognition of his contributions, Jinja has renamed one of its roads “Henry Kyemba Road.” Henry Kyemba served as the Minister of Culture and Community Development in former President Idi Amin’s government in 1972 and later as Minister of Health from 1973 to 1977. He fled into exile in 1977 but returned during President Museveni’s regime, serving as a minister in various ministries.
The decision to rename Radio Road in Jinja City as Henry Kyemba Road was unanimously adopted in a resolution passed by the authorities. While it may cause some inconvenience to those who own property on the road, the City Council, following local government guidelines, will oversee the renaming process.
Mr. Kyemba’s body lay in Jinja City Hall for last respects, attended by friends, political opponents, former classmates, and workmates. Col (Rtd) Tony Otto, a friend of the deceased for over 30 years, described their friendship as a close-knit family. Ms. Georgina Tumusiime, the President of the Rotary Club of Source of the Nile, suggested that the government should honor Mr. Kyemba’s memory by establishing a library in his name. She highlighted his contributions to Rotary Clubs in Jinja and his service as District Governor.
Jinja City Mayor, Mr. Peter Okocha Kasolo, shared his personal connection with Henry Kyemba, stating that he had learned a lot from Kyemba’s book, “A State of Blood,” which documents eyewitness accounts of President Idi Amin’s alleged brutality and reign of terror. Ms. Janet Kyemba, the widow, expressed her gratitude to the government for providing her husband with a dignified burial. She emphasized her husband’s lifelong commitment to the fight against corruption.
