Thursday , November 7 2024

DP to commemorate Ben Kiwanuka’s 49th death anniversary

Internet Photo: Ben Kiwanuka at a rally in 1960s

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Democratic Party has announced plans to commemorate the death of Ben Kiwanuka, who was their third party president and also the first Prime minister of the government of Uganda.

While speaking at the party’s weekly press address, the DP Secretary General Gerald Siranda noted that the party will have series of events to mark the passing on of the late Kiwanuka who was murdered at 50 years of age on 22nd of September 1972.

Siranda also eulogized Kiwanuka for fighting for Ugandan farmers to eliminate middlemen while selling their farm produce, an act that saw farmers reap big from their farm produce.

He also praised him for lobbying for scholarships, which according to Siranda, were given out fairly regardless of religion or tribe, to prepare Uganda civil service wing for independence.

A memorial service was today held by the family in Bukomansimbi to mark the day of the murdering of the fallen politician.

Who was Ben Kiwanuka?

Born in 1922, Kiwanuka was reportedly killed by Amin’s forces at Makindye Military Prison after prolonged torture.

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At the time, he was the Chief Justice of Uganda.

Prior to his judiciary assignment, he was a top Ugandan politician, who was instrumental in the process that led to Uganda’s attainment of independence in 1962.

Kiwanuka was reportedly dragged from the chambers of the high court, after refusing to issue a favorable ruling for Amin’s regime.

The remains of Kiwanuka have never been traced by neither the family nor the government. In 2018, Kiwanuka’s house in Nalukolongo, a Kampala suburb was demolished by money lenders, after a reckless son reportedly defaulted on a loan where the house was the security.

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