Hundreds of mourners gathered at Butega 1 village in Kajara County, Ntungamo District, to pay their last respects to former minister, diplomat, and legislator Ambassador Kweronda Ruhemba, in a solemn state funeral marked by tribute, reflection, and recognition of a lifetime dedicated to national service.
The burial ceremony, held at his ancestral home, drew dignitaries including Members of Parliament, political leaders, district officials, and members of the public, who joined family and friends to celebrate a life defined by commitment to public service and national development.
The function was presided over by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who represented President Museveni as the chief mourner.
In a message delivered on behalf of the President, Ruhemba was described as a committed cadre whose contribution to Uganda remained evident throughout his years in leadership and even after retirement.
“The NRM has lost a dedicated cadre who understood and followed our ideological stand of working for the broad and legitimate interests of the people,” President Museveni noted.
“This was evident throughout his years of service as a people’s representative and in the foreign service where he ably championed Uganda’s interests abroad. Even in retirement, he continued guiding the young generation of leaders.”
During the ceremony, Tayebwa revealed that the decision to accord Ruhemba a state funeral was immediate upon informing the President.
“When I told President Museveni that Ambassador Ruhemba needed a state burial, he noted, ‘Absolutely.’ I thank the President for granting this because he deserved it,” Tayebwa said.
“He pushed for markets in agricultural produce. People came to understand they are not second-class citizens.”
He further announced that Parliament will hold a special sitting in honor of the late.
“We shall get a special sitting in Parliament, call the family, and move a motion in the name of government to dedicate a day to debate and pay tribute to the works of Ruhemba.”
Family members and close associates described the late as a patriotic and humble leader who prioritized unity, integrity, and education.
His daughter, Brenda Natukunda Kweronda, emphasized his deep commitment to uplifting others.
“He would associate with the lowly. He embraced education and upheld it. Education was very important to him,” she said.
His brother, Kweyamba Ruhemba, recounted the difficult final weeks of his life.
“He spent two weeks in intensive care, then three, and finally four weeks in another ICU. He was battling complications related to a stroke.”
Former Ntungamo District LC5 Chairman John Wickliffe Karazarwe praised both the deceased and the government’s recognition.
“President Museveni never forgets his people and those he worked with, and that is why I appreciate him,” Karazarwe said.
“Kweronda was very truthful, reliable, a great hero and patriot. He was never corrupt.”
Karazarwe also cautioned leaders against corruption.
“Uganda has no resources to embezzle. We must protect the few resources we have.”
Speakers at the funeral commended the government for honoring Ruhemba with a state burial, noting that his contributions—from promoting unity across tribes and religions to advancing agricultural markets—left a lasting impact on both his constituency and the country.
Ambassador Kweronda Ruhemba served as Member of Parliament for Kajara County from 1996 to 2001 and held several government positions, including State Minister for Education and Sports, Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, and Minister of State for Cooperatives and Markets.
He also served as Uganda’s Ambassador in Geneva, Switzerland, and South Africa.
He passed away on March 28, 2026, after battling stroke-related complications.
