A funeral ceremony for businessman Michael Obote turned into a political battleground as local politicians exchanged words, creating a stir among the mourners.
The tension began when the Master of Ceremony, Isaac Kagurusi, handed the microphone to Mr. Denis Nzeirwe, the former Deputy RDC of Kyankwazi District and a former candidate for the Kabale District LCV Chairmanship (2021-2026). Nzeirwe expressed his belief that the people had voted for him in the last general election, but the outcome did not align with his expectations.
Having contested as an independent candidate after losing the NRM’s endorsement, Nzeirwe garnered 22,671 votes, while Nshangabasheija won with 45,247 votes. The late Patrick Besigye Keihwa, the then-incumbent Kabale District Chairperson, received 21,803 votes.
During his speech at the burial in Kinyamare 1 village, Nyamirago parish, Butanda Sub County, Nzeirwe urged the people to vote for him in the next election. He said, “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.”
In response, Kabale District LCV Chairmanship hopeful Counsel Atwebembeire Wilbroad Wamushinja Rwamunahe, a close friend of Nzeirwe, suggested that Nzeirwe should step down and allow him to take the position of Kabale District Chairperson in the next race. “Dennis will be happy to see me in office as his brother,” Rwamunahe remarked.
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Rwamunahe also urged the mourners to offer words of hope to the deceased’s family rather than sow division. Rev. Canon Milton Nkurunungi, the Kigezi Diocesan Secretary, echoed this sentiment, encouraging mourners to leave a lasting legacy of love, kindness, and achievements that would inspire future generations.
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The family and friends of the late Michael Obote found comfort in the belief that his memory would continue to inspire others. Obote, who passed away at the age of 62 on Saturday at Rugarama Hospital due to complications from high blood pressure, is survived by his two wives and eight children—four boys and four girls.
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