On Saturday June 2, 2018, the home of Uganda’s first Prime Minister and black Chief Justice Benedicto Kiwanuka in Nalukolongo, Rubaga Division was torn down loan gone bad.
Several properties of the former Democratic Party’s Stalwart including his remains were mercilessly exhumed in the process causing confusion among the DP’s circles and the public at large as to what could have led to this unfortunate incident.
Matooke Republic can now confirm on the basis of a statement released by Ms Regina Kiwanuka, the ex premier’s daughter that plans are underway to transport the remains of her mother, the late Maxencia Zalwango to the family’s burial grounds in Masaka district adding that house with such great memories is ‘gone.’
“Our father’s house was not only a treasured family heirloom, it was also landmark for Uganda. We were holding onto the house for dear life and such great memories especially since the late Ben Kiwanuka’s remains are yet to be located and accorded the befitting burial,” she wrote.
Although Regina acknowledged that her young brother and family heir Maurice Kagimu Kiwanuka, a former diplomat cum politician, mortgaged the house for a loan that went bed, she remained tight lipped on how much it was but instead, she appealed to the public not to apportion blame but rather support the family’s recovery efforts from this ‘horrific’ incident.
Lukwago hailed
The family also heaped praise on Kampala’s Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who upon hearing about the incident visited the scene to establish the goings-on. He later took to social media where he decried the demolition of the DP stalwart’s home and pledged that his valuables – specifically his official car that now lies at Wakaliga police station would be ‘preserved for posterity’ for their historical significance.
Government intervenes
We have also been reliably informed that government through the ministry of internal of affairs and ministry of tourism are set to meet the family of Ben Kiwanuka to forge a way forward. Cabinet is expected to intervene over the matter in favour of the Kiwanuka family.