Kabale Funeral Turns Political arena after a heated verbal exchange.

Kabale: Mourners in Butanda sub-county, Ndorwa West, Kabale District, were left wondering after a group of politicians engaged in a heated verbal exchange during the burial of businessman Michael Obote. 

The incident began when the Master of Ceremony, Isaac Kagurusi, handed the microphone to former Deputy RDC of Kyankwazi district, Mr. Denis Nzeirwe, who had contested for the Kabale District LCV Chairmanship in the 2021 general elections. 

At the height of his speech, Nzeirwe stated that, in the last elections, he felt the people had voted for him, but things didn’t go as expected after losing to Nelson Nshangabasheija, also known as Baaba Baba.

Nzeirwe had left the NRM and contested as an independent candidate.

Nshangabasheija received 45,247 votes, defeating the then-incumbent Kabale District Chairperson, the late Patrick Besigye Keihwa, who had garnered 21,803 votes, and Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi, trailed them with 22,671 votes.

During his speech at the burial ceremony, which was held in Kinyamare 1 village, Nyamirago parish, Butanda Sub County, Ndorwa West, Kabale District, Nzeirwe urged the people of Butanda Sub County to vote for him in the next election, as he believed the last election did not go well. 

“I know everyone knows me very well, so I am going to sleep; then you people just vote me into power when the time comes.” Said Nzeirwe.

On his part, the Kabale District LCV Chairmanship hopeful Counsel Atwebembeire Wilbroad Wamushinja Rwamunahe commented that Denis is a good friend and suggested that he should step down and allow him to take the position of Kabale District Chairperson in the next race. 

Rwamunahe also urged the mourners to preach words of hope to the deceased’s family, rather than words that might divide them.

Rev. Canon Milton Nkurunungi, the Kigezi Diocesan Secretary, encouraged mourners to leave a lasting legacy before departing this world.

He said people should strive to leave something meaningful behind before departing this earth reflecting on a legacy of love, kindness, or achievements that will inspire and motivate others to continue their work.

Rev. Canon Nkurunungi mentioned that Michael Obote’s life and legacy would serve as a reminder of the positive contributions he made to his community and the lives of those who knew him.

The deceased’s wives, children, and friends expressed comfort in knowing that his memory would continue to inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.

Michael Obote, who passed away at the age of 62 on Saturday at Rugarama Hospital due to complications from high blood pressure, is survived by two wives and eight children—four boys and four girls.