President Museveni on Thursday led the nation in mourning the late Moses Karangwa, describing the prominent National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairperson for Kayunga District as a loyal, effective cadre who played a vital role in the country’s socio-economic transformation.
Karangwa tragically perished in a road crash last weekend.
In a condolence message delivered by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, during the burial on Thursday, Mr Museveni lauded the deceased’s unwavering commitment to the ruling party.
“Through his mobilisation for the ruling party, he had put a brick on the country’s socio-economic transformation,” Museveni’s speech read in part.
“In Karangwa, Kayunga had gold which some people didn’t know.” To support the bereaved family, the President contributed Shs 100 million in condolence fees.
The burial drew thousands of mourners to Kayunga, including high-profile government and security officials such as NRM Director for Mobilisation Rosemary Sseninde, Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda Capt. Mike Mukula, and Minister Justine Kasule Lumumba.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong described Karangwa as a national stalwart whose influence stretched far beyond Kayunga. He noted that Karangwa frequently dipped into his personal pockets to fund party activities.
“Whenever there was a by-election, the deceased used personal resources to mobilise for the party,” Todwong said. “Late Karangwa was a loyal party cadre and a clever man who had answers for every question… I assure the family that we shall stand with you.”
The funeral was also marked by emotional speeches from the family, who addressed social media hostility surrounding Karangwa’s sudden demise. His daughter, Jacky Birungi, revealed that she was among the last people to see him alive, having traveled with him to Nakaseke District earlier that day to meet Gen. Salim Saleh.
“When we returned, he dropped me off at Bukolooto trading centre and proceeded to Jinja. Moments later, I heard that my father had been involved in an accident,” Birungi recounted.
Responding to those who celebrated his death, Birungi said the family had forgiven them. “It is shocking that some people were dancing and celebrating the death of Karangwa, a man who was using his personal money and did everything for the people.”
His wife of nearly 30 years, Florence Kirabo, fondly remembered him as a loving husband and a dedicated family man.
As Karangwa was laid to rest, both government officials and family friends urged the heirs to protect his vast estate. Minister Babalanda strongly cautioned the family against property disputes, urging them instead to use the inheritance for collective prosperity.
Socio-political commentator Frank Gashumba echoed these sentiments, dismissing negative public narratives about Karangwa. “All that was being said about Karangwa [by critics] were false because he has been very generous to those in need,” Gashumba said, advising the family to maintain the wealth harmoniously.
In honor of Karangwa’s ongoing community legacy, Gen. Salim Saleh, the coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation, contributed Shs 40 million towards the completion of a local church that Karangwa was constructing in Budaali village.