Day

By Kweronda Ambrose
In Kabale
The Deputy Speaker of the Republic of Uganda’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, emphasized the importance of passing down businesses to future generations during his address at the burial ceremony of the late Mr. Apollo Nyegamehe, a prominent grain billionaire also known as Aponye. The event took place in Muhanga Town Council, Rukiga District, and was attended by several notable figures.

Tayebwa urged individuals in business to involve their children in their enterprises, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership after their passing. He commended the late Mr. Apollo Nyegamehe for enrolling his children in his business and encouraged others to follow suit, so as to prevent their businesses from being buried with them.

Describing Apollo Nyegamehe as a jovial person, Tayebwa acknowledged his commitment to learning by reading extensively before and after work. He also highlighted Nyegamehe’s philanthropic efforts, including his contributions to religious establishments and his warm-hearted nature towards everyone he encountered.

Additionally, Tayebwa acknowledged Nyegamehe’s financial success.

Speaking as the chief mourner, Uganda’s Vice President, Maj. Jessica Rose Epel Alupo (aka Jessica Alupo), announced that the President had issued instructions to relevant authorities responsible for road management in Uganda, emphasizing the need for proper control and maintenance of the country’s roads.

Alupo expressed deep condolences for the loss of a business icon whose contributions had greatly enriched Uganda.

Former Uganda’s Premier, Dr. Ndugu Ruhakana Rugunda, emphasized that Apollo Nyegamehe’s influence extended beyond his personal achievements, benefiting the entire community. Rugunda praised Nyegamehe’s efforts in transforming grains into a valuable cash crop exported to neighboring countries, as well as his significant contributions to job creation and tax revenue generation.

During the ceremony, Apollo Nyegamehe’s wife, Mrs. Vangi Mugabirwe Nyegamehe, and their surviving children expressed gratitude for his guidance and the valuable connections he had established, which would aid their future growth. Mrs. Vangi Nyegamehe fondly remembered her late husband as a generous and handsome man, inherited from his mother, who shared everything selflessly. The couple had enjoyed 45 years of marriage.

Distinguished guests attending the event included Dr. Sylvia Arinaitwe Mwanaki, the Deputy Managing Director of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) in charge of Finance and Corporate Strategy; Hon. Henry Musasizi, the Minister of State for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development; Hon. Caroline Kamusiime and Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, legislators from Rukiga District; Hon. Kamuntu Moses, the Member of Parliament for Rubanda West; Hon. Wilfred Niwagaba, the Member of Parliament for Ndorwa East; Hon. James Kakooza, the Member of Parliament representing Uganda in the East African Parliament; Hon. Godfrey Ssuubi Kiwanda, the Vice Chairperson of Buganda Region; Hon. Mwesigwa Rukutana, a lawyer and politician; James Tweheyo, a member of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC); Amos Nzeyi, a prominent businessman; Hon. Lydia Wanyoto; and Mrs. Mwine Pulkeria Muhindo, the former and current Rukiga District Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), as well as Mr. Nayebare Fred Kyamuzigita, among other dignitaries.