Kitariko was a bold man, says Museveni

Former DP president Paul Ssemogerere (R), DP secretary general Mathias Nsubuga (C) and Henry Bazira Ssewanyana, another party official, lay wreaths on the casket of the remains of former Agriculture minister Robert Kikomo Kitariko at Christ the King Church in Kampala yesterday. PHOTO BY DOMINIC BUKENYA 

Kampala- President Museveni has praised fallen former Agriculture minister Robert Kikomo Kitariko for his boldness.
At a requiem Mass held at Christ the King Church in Kampala yesterday, Mr Museveni praised Kitariko as a courageous and principled person, something he said helped him earn respect beyond borders.

“His degree of diligence at work was very unique. He worked for unity and a strong Uganda. He pleased me with his style of work when I appointed him as Agriculture minister. He was committed to his work,” Mr Museveni said in a statement that was read out to mourners by Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.

Kitariko died of stroke in Kampala on Monday.
Dr Rugunda hailed the deceased as someone who always distanced himself from sectarian politics and was quick to concede defeat whenever he lost in elective posts.

“I defeated him three times for Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament. But in all those times, he would congratulate me as soon as I would be declared winner. He would go as far as taking me for a drink up,” said Dr Rugunda.

Dr Paul Kawanga Ssemogerere, a renowned Democratic Party stalwart, also former presidential aspirant, sent mourners into laughter when he revealed how the deceased was cheated in the 1980 elections.

“My friend was cheated in 1980. Surprisingly, his election petition has never been ruled. He served our party (DP) as secretary general and his contributions can never be despised,” Dr Ssemogerere said.

Ms Juliet Kitariko described her husband as a jolly, intelligent, generous and loving.

“I request everyone here to live a happy life just I did with my husband. We enjoyed our life. We lived happier. He was friendly to all irrespective of political stands,” Ms Kitariko said.

Mr Kenneth Kitariko, the deceased’s only child, eulogised his father as someone who liked reading and knew what parenting means.

“My daddy used to give me books to read and would ask me what I had read about. He was friendly and taught me how to welcome people without basing on their economic and political statuses,” he said, something echoed by Mr Sam Baingana, the deceased’s childhood friend.

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Born on March 3, 1933, in Bukinda, Rukiga Kabale District, Robert Kikomo Kitariko held a degree in Economics from University of Dehli-India.

He was appointed District Commissioner in Jamaica by the colonial masters who had denied him entry to Makerere University after he failed to score a distinction in English.

He severed as secretary general for DP in 1980s before being appointed minister forAgriculture in 1989. He also served as minister for water including working as Commissioner for Electoral Commission.

He was survived by a wife, a son and three grandchildren. He will be laid to rest today in Kabale District.

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