All Saints Cathedral Nakasero was filled to capacity as hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to James Garuga Musinguzi, the businessman, hotelier, and politician remembered for turning his faith into action through major investments in the church, education, and community development.
Garuga, who owned Garuga Resort Hotels Entebbe, multiple agricultural enterprises, and other business interests, passed away on Wednesday.
Leading the service, Archbishop Dr. Samuel Stephen Kazimba Mugalu praised Garuga as a pillar of the Church whose contributions went far beyond worship, citing his funding of church infrastructure, support for schools, and assistance to underprivileged children.
“His faith was lived out in action and in commitment,” the Archbishop said.
Garuga’s passing brought together mourners across the political spectrum, with attendees from the Kigezi sub-region and beyond.
His children described him as not only a father to them but also to many who had no parental support, and as a passionate advocate for peace in Uganda.
Dr Francis Lunumi, a close friend, hailed Garuga as a visionary who transformed Kigezi through agricultural innovation.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, with whole the late Garuga sparred in 2001 in Kinkiizi West, remembered him as a leader who sought unity over conflict, even when political competition pitted them against each other in the Kinkizi West parliamentary race.
Another former Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, noted Garuga’s generosity and patriotism, highlighting his role in developing Kihihi Airfield, one of the busiest regional airstrips outside Kampala.
The service was also marked by tension, as opposition leaders expressed frustration at being denied a chance to speak.
Mourners lamented the absence of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a close ally of the deceased, who remains in detention. Rev. Andrew Agaba urged government to release Besigye so he could mourn his friend.
Garuga’s widow, Peace Garuga, emotionally recounted the illness that claimed her husband’s life, revealing that the UK twice denied them visas for treatment in London.
Representing government, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija acknowledged that the state still owed Garuga money and promised to pursue repayment.
Despite the disagreements, the mood was ultimately one of gratitude and reflection for a man remembered as a father figure, political bridge-builder, and an entrepreneur whose legacy in hospitality, agriculture, and community service will endure.