By Juma Magino
BUSIA
The Bugwe 8th King locally referred to as “Omwenengo” of Bugwe cultural institution His Royal Highness Philip Hasibante Nahama II has been given a state burial.
His Royal Highness Philip Hasibante Nahama II was laid to rest ton Saturday, 25th March, 2023 in Busumba Village, Nangwe Parish, Dabani Sub County in Busia district. He was given a 3-gun salute.
The deceased was pronounced dead on 2/3/2023, while in India where he had gone to receive treatment after battling with cancer for close to years.
Mourners from all corners of the country including leaders from different cultural institutions, political leaders and leaders from the central government graced the burial event amidst a somber mood among the Bagwe subjects as they mourned their King whom they described as a coalescing father.
The First Deputy Prime Minister and Woman MP, Mayuge district Hon. Lukia Nakadama was the chief mourner who represented President Yoweri K. Museveni.
In the speech read by Hon. Nakadama on behalf of the President, Museveni praised the late king for the role he did for the government during his working days with Uganda Telecommunication Company, Kilembe Mines and Busia district local government as a board member on the tenderers committee before he was installed as “Omwenengo”.
The President also applauded the cultural leaders of “Obwenengo” led by the Prime Minister for standing together with the family of the deceased since the sad news was released earlier this month.
On her part, Hon. Peace Mutuzo Regis, the Minister of State for Gender, Labor and Culture said that in recognition of the immense contribution of “Omwenengo” to the development of the country, the government in return decided to accord him a decent state burial by covering all expenses. She added that her ministry received a lot of conflicts from other cultural institutions but Bugwe remained at peace without any divisions and fights.
She informed the mourners that President Museveni gave in shs140 million towards the treatment and repatriation of the “Omwenengo’s” body from India.
At the time of his death, Nahama II, was the eighth King of Bugwe which traces its origin to over 100 years ago. Others are King Mulere, King Mango I, King Mango II, King Haderesa, King Wambusi, King Ogema Luhika, King Obara Malaba and the recently crowned King Robert Obara Nahama III who is also the son of the deceased.
