By Nakanwagi Olivier Mukaaya
Kapchorwa
The Sebei Cultural leader, locally known as ‘Kingoo’ has been laid to rest having succumbed to the deadly Corona -19 virus
Several mourners including different government officers on Saturday 23rd paid tribute to the Second Kingoo, His Highness Chemonges Stephen Kapkweyi II second during his send off at his home in Siron East Division Kapchorwa District.
President Museveni in his condolence message delivered by Hon. Sam Cheptoris, the Minister of Water and Environment described Kingoo Chemonges as one of the great leaders the country has lost.
“On behalf of the government and my family, I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family and the all Sebei Region. Uganda has lost a great cultural leader. He had devoted himself to the service the people of Sebei, we pray that his outstanding service will be a form of inspiration to the Sebei community and the all country.” President Museveni said in his message.
His Highness Stephen Chemonges 71 years succumbed to Covid 19 on 19th January 2021 but couldn’t be buried immediately because the family had to wait for his children who were abroad.
His family said he fell ill for a few days and was taken to the main hospital in Kacphorwa and on 19th January passed on.
The Archbishop of Sebei Region, Paul Masaba who officered the church service urged the public to observe covid 19 SOPs saying covid 19 has claimed many lives.
“It’s so painful to bury our brother without seeing him but instead a photo at this moment which is so sad,”
He also encouraged family and mourners never to depart from the word of God but to be strong.
“Hatred must not be heard among us because life can be very difficult, build good relationships with people and ask forgiveness, work together as a family,” he counseled.
Aggrey Chemonges, the head of the family encouraged the Sabiny community to stay strong and united as the late kingoo used to encourage them.
“His death doesn’t mean that we should fight each other but instead stay united as the Sebei community and also take the Kingoo as an example to us,” he said.
He further revealed that the Chemonges family had lost three family members in the last three months alone.
Canon E.A Cherop who represented the cultural institution of sebei encouraged the Sebei community to stay united.
“He was a great man like his father, the Late YM. Chemonges, the first Sabiny kingoo who brought this community to be recognized and also did a lot of developments for his people,” Cherop said.
He also revealed that all the process for legalizing the Sabiny cultural institute was in process and was soon to be completed. Unfortunately according to him, Kingoo Stephen Chemonges died before he was installed as the Second Kingoo of Sabiny Cultural Institution.
