LUWEERO -The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has paid glowing tribute to their deceased party chairman for Luweero District and former Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko member, Bwanika Bbale.
Bwanika, 75, who also served as a delegate in the Constituency Assembly that promulgated the 1995 Constitution, died of cancer on Sunday.
Mourners, who gathered at FDC headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, praised the deceased for his integrity, which they said drove him to live a life of political struggle to the end.
Dr Kizza Besigye lauded Bwanika for his contribution to the FDC party.
“Bwanika is one of very few FDC leaders that has served the party without asking for financial support from the party. He could have been a very rich man had it not been the demands of FDC. He gave his all to the party,” Dr Besigye said.
“I know this struggle will be over, and once we have won, Owek. Bwanika Bbale and others like him who have died in the struggle we are executing with be properly recognised and honored as the real heroes. The work and contribution must be immortalized. Heroes of our struggle are many like Late. Sam Njuba, Late Sulaiman Kiggundu and others from our party and other political parties that have contributed to the liberation of Uganda,” he added.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago lauded the deceased for standing up to what he described as lies of the NRM in Luweero District.
“I am thankful to Owek. Bbaale Bwanika, he comes from an area (Luwero) that Museveni has always referred to as Uganda’s mecca, unfortunately those who fought with him are up to date still demanding him. Many people have died still demanding from the same man. I am happy that Bbaale started the struggle against the Museveni junta earlier at a time when everyone thought it’s hard in greater Luwero,” he said.
FDC party chairman Wasswa Biriggwa described how he met Bwanika.
“I am a bit silent today because on a similar day in 1987, we came back to Uganda from exile with Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II. On arrival in Uganda, we immediately started to look out for great people that could steer the New Buganda that is how I first met Owek. Bwanika Bbaale Absolom. I worked with Owek. Bwanika in Buganda Kingdom Lukiiko before we later met in the struggle of restoring sanity in Uganda under the FDC. People like Owek. Bwanika, Dr. Kiggundu, Kamara Kanamwanja, Sam Kalega Njuba among others laid the foundation that we have continued with,” he said.
FDC Deputy Secretary General Harold Kaija, Treasurer General Geoffrey Ekanya, Minority Chief Whip Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and Leader of Minority Betty Aol Ocan, all spoke highly of Bwanika as a good man that served with conviction, integrity, kindness and clear headedness.
