Henry Kyemba was a humble and obedient politician who served above self- Parliament

Parliament has paid tribute to the former Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Health and Agriculture minister Henry Kyemba for his distinguished service in the country.
Kyemba died of diabetes related complications on October 19, 2023 at URO CARE hospital in Kampala. He will be laid to rest on Thursday at his ancestral home in Bugembe, Jinja district.
The motion to honor the late minister was moved by the first Deputy Prime Minister who doubles as the minister for East African Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga. The motion was seconded by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mathias Mpuuga.
Kadaga said Kyemba had an illustrious and distinguished career. He served as a permanent for the ministry of culture and community development, minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, member of Constitutional Assembly, Member of Parliament and sundry.
“He was a firm advocate and promoter of democracy and good governance. He was a diligent leader who immeasurably participated in shaping the destiny of Uganda and served with dedication and patriotism,” she stated.
The deputy speaker of Thomas Tayebwa said Kyemba served humanity in many aspects; he was a Rotarian and touched the lives of many people. Our condolences to the family, Kyabazinga, people of Busoga, the President and all Ugandans.
Mpuuga said the deceased advocated against gross violation of human rights, deep corruption and inefficiency which results in poverty, brutality, and the collapse of the country’s economy.
“Kyemba’s life showed that public service was noble and led tremendously well along the journey. He would demonstrate early in life that there was a need to seek political space and passed on the mantle in good time when he chose to retire honorably. He availed himself for selflessness as a member of the rotary international movement,” he said.
Jinja Municipality west MP Dr. Batuwa Timothy Lusala said that Kyamba was a humble and obedient politician. He was one of the figures that Busoga sub region is proud of. He associated with people who served above self.
Kyabakutika Manjeri, woman representative of Jinja City said it is very unfortunate that we have lost a great leader who has served his country in different capacities with passion, man of wisdom and a person of value to the people of Jinja.
Having served in different governments and in different capacities, Manjeri said Kyemba encouraged the value of education especially to the young people in Busoga. Despite quitting active politics, he remained a humble man and lived a free life.
Kyemba joined civil service on the eve of Uganda’s independence in 1962. He was the Principal Private Secretary to then Prime Minister of Uganda, Milton Obote. Following the 1971 Uganda coup d’état, he joined Amin’s cabinet, rising through the ranks to become the Minister of Health (1974–1977) during Amin’s regime.
Kyemba defected to London in 1977, where he wrote a book on Amin’s regime titled: “A State of Blood.” He returned to Uganda in 1986, and he served as Secretary of the Judicial Service Commission.
Kyemba was a fiercely dedicated member of the Rotary International movement, becoming Rotarian in 1987 as a Charter Member of The Source of the Nile Rotary Club now in Jinja City. Under Henry Kyemba’s influence and contribution, the Rotary Movement grew even bigger in Uganda to now include some 400 clubs as of 2023.