Eulogies for Peter Banura poured in Wednesday during a Kikuube district council session, where leaders and local residents paid tribute to their fallen chairman.
At exactly 9:30 a.m., the body of Banura arrived from Kampala aboard an A Plus Funeral Services van, accompanied by other vehicles.
People of Kikuube, led by a UPDF brass band, waited at Rwomubazi, a border village between Hoima and Kikuube. Boda boda riders pushed their motorcycles in mourning, while mourners walked from Rwomubazi to Buhimba town council.
During the procession, the district renamed a road after Banura, officially launched by Kikuube RDC Godwin Angalia as Banura Road.
As the body reached Kikuube district headquarters around 10:30 a.m., political and technical leaders, including State Minister for Public Service Grace Mary Mugasa, struggled to hold back tears.
The body was kept in the council chambers until a mass led by Msgr Robert Mugisa concluded around 1 p.m.
Council proceedings, chaired by Christopher Nkalu, featured tributes from leaders across the Bunyoro Kingdom, political circles, religious institutions, and the business community. Nkalu praised Banura as a man who loved peace and always listened before making decisions.
Councilor Nestor Tumwesige of Kyangwali, who served under Banura as natural resources secretary, recalled his mentor’s dedication.
“He pushed to see Bugoma become a park because his desire was to make Kikuube a tourist destination. It’s unfortunate he has died without seeing the fruits of his efforts,” Tumwesige said.
Kikuube RDC Godwin Angalia added that Banura’s understanding of government and statesmanship made him a reliable partner in local governance.
“He would call me in case of any issue and suggest solutions. He never ran to media or backbit anyone. You have gone too soon,” Angalia stated.
Minister Namuyangu condemned the depletion of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve by locals claiming to be foresters.
She revealed plans to transfer the forest to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and emphasized that once declared a national park, enforcement would be strict.
Namuyangu lauded Banura as a nationalist who opposed tribalism and helped maintain peace in Kikuube, adding that his upbringing by Retired Major General Matayo Kyaligonza and his mother instilled in him responsibility and patriotism.
Minister Mugasa called for government policies to screen drivers, including boda boda riders, to reduce the high number of road accidents.
“I appeal to MPs in the next Parliament to support this policy if it comes before the house,” she said.
The council formally moved a motion to honor Banura, presented by Vice Chairperson Vincent Opio and seconded by Buhimba Sub-county female councilor Ruth Kobusinge.
Councilors Lisa Kwikiriza, Alex Byansi, and Liz Daizy highlighted Banura’s mentorship and guidance, describing him as an advisor and parental figure.
Kikuube Woman MP Flora Natumanya said Banura often counseled members of Parliament from the district.
“The former district chairperson was a counselor to us as members of Parliament, and we could always consult him for advice,” she said.
In a final tribute, the council approved naming one of the blocks of the yet-to-be-constructed Bunyoro University after Banura, recognizing his instrumental role in bringing the university to Kikuube instead of Hoima city.
