The Muslim fraternity in the country have mourned the death of Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister, Al-Haji Ali Kirunda Kivejinja.
At 85 years, Kivejinja breathed his last on Saturday at Mulago National Referral Hospital where he had been admitted for a month after he developed an illness. On Saturday while on a political rally in Hoima, President Yoweri hinted that Kivejinja had died from #Covid-19.
While preaching at the national funeral prayers for the late Second Deputy Prime Minister, Kivejinja held at Gaddafi National Mosque – Old Kampala, the Mufti of Uganda Sheik Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje said that the Muslim fraternity has lost an icon, a strong pillar that has been a proud to be Muslim.
Mubajje noted that beside of being a proud Muslim, he has been an advisor to President Museveni on issues regarding Muslim community which has promoted peace.
In the same development, the Deputy Mufti Muhamad Ali Waiswa, said the late Kivejinja’s life that has been full of courage and determination that kept him serving even at old age should be used as an example to young people to never undermine themselves in working hard.
“He has been determined, even at this age of 85 years he has died while serving his nation, this should be a lesson to all Ugandans to work hard even at old age. Kivejinja who died on the frontline said Waiswa.”
The former Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Spokesperson Ali-Haji Nsereko Mutumba remembers Kivejinja as the first Muslim who got a secular degree by 1962; He says this was a motivational tool to young Muslims to expand their education levels.
But Nseroko also says that Kivejinja has been one of the few Muslims in central government that would present issues affecting Islamic religion
Faridah Mayanja, project manager of the presidential initiatives on skilling the girl child, said that the late Kivejinja has been a statesman who would never betray his long friend President Museveni.
Kiggundu Kabandwa Ssalongo the administrative secretary of NRM-Historical Leaders Forum first met the late Hon Kivejinja in 1985 in Kabale district during the NRM liberation struggle meeting, he described him as a walking encyclopedia noting that his wisdom would be missed.
“We mourn the passing of a great revolutionary icon Mzee Kivejinja. He was a walking encyclopedia on African nationalism and patriotism said Kiggundu.”
Haji Ali Kirunda Kivejinja was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Buwabe village, Bugweri district yesterday.
