Parliament pays tribute to former Idi Amin Cabinet minister

Kyemba, a former minister, died on 19 October, 2023, in Kampala aged 84.

The casket containing his remains arrived at Parliament at 10:47 am.

MPs, mostly from Busoga sub-region, where the late hailed from, assembled at the staircase at 10:57 am to receive the remains of Kyemba.

The MPs were joined by the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, who was in the company of former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda and Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, who received the body at 11:05 am.

The casket was wheeled to the foyer, where the mourners, including Kyemba’s family, viewed the body.

Tayebwa signed the condolence book before taking a few minutes to sympathise with the family and MPs.

Notable among the mourners was former Supreme Court judge, Justice George Kanyeihamba.

Parliament will pay tribute to Kyemba at 2:00pm during a special sitting.

Kyemba served in several positions in government. He was Principal Private Secretary to former Presidents Milton Obote and Idi Amin from 1962 to 1971 and 1971 to 1973, respectively.

He also served as Minister of Culture from 1974 to 75 and for Health from 1975 to 77.

Kyemba was State Minister for Animal Industry in the early years of the National Resistance Movement government.

Kyemba also authored a book titled, ‘A State of Blood: The inside story of Idi Amin.’