A Cross-section of leaders have mourned the passing on of Second Deputy Prime Minister Kirunda Kivejinja due to Covid-19 at the Mulago National Referral Hospital where he had been admitted for over one month.
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda noted that Kivejinja passing was a huge loss to the country.
“His passing is a huge loss to the country. He was a great Pan Africanist and repository of our history and journey of social, political and economic transformation. We convey our condolences to the family, relatives and friends of comrade Kivejinja. We salute comrade Kivejinja for his stellar service to the country, Africa and humanity. His wisdom and counsel will be deeply missed,” Rugunda said.
Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development Frank Tumwebaze described Kivejinja 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. His outlook was big and always focused on strategic issues necessary for the survival of the human race. We pray for his soul to rest in peace.”
Health Permanent Secretary Dr Diana Atwine noted that Kivejinja had fought a good fight. “We shall always remember his contribution to our country.”
The Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo P’Odel noted that at 85 years of age, Kivejinja was a longtime political ideologue, organizer, leader, author, rabid intellectual and mentor to many.
Uganda People’s Defence Force Spokesperson Brig Gen Flavia Byekwaso noted that the Army sends the deepest condolences to the family of Kivejinja.
“His mentorship of many of us ideologically is a mark that will never leave our way of thinking. You made an indelible mark to the UPDF fraternity,” Byekwaso said.
Minister for State for Finance, David Bahati noted that he was saddened to hear of the death of Kivejinja. “He was an eminent patriot who dedicated his life to public service and a great asset to Government, a moving encyclopedia on governance issues and a solid bridge between the old and young generations of leaders.”