📷 Kategaya Memorial Service: Museveni calls for politics of principles, nationalism

KAMPALA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the country on the importance of politics grounded in principles, nationalism, and democracy.

President Museveni stated that political parties were causing divisions among the people and noted that observing the mistakes these parties were making, he and his allies established the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to champion nationalism and patriotism.

President Museveni speaking during the memorial service of the late  Eriya Kategaya, a revered pan-Africanist, nationalist, and revolutionary leader. (All Photos by Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

The President was speaking during the memorial service of the late  Eriya Kategaya, a revered pan-Africanist, nationalist, and revolutionary leader.

The memorial service that took place on Thursday, March 6, at Kololo National Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, attracted a host of dignitaries, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Members of Parliament, senior government officials, religious leaders, and Kategaya’s family and friends.

“We started seeing the mistakes of Democratic Party (DP), Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) and Kabaka Yeka (KY). So that's how NRM started and the politics of patriotism of loving Uganda and fighting for patriotism,” he said.

He lauded Kategaya’s unwavering commitment to these ideals, describing him as a dedicated leader who valued national unity and political integrity above personal gain.

“Kategaya was a man of principles. He never wavered in his belief. Kategaya and some of us were one of the early pioneers of the education system. From traditional families to this modern education. Kategaya was good at doing a lot of networking. Kategaya brought in contacts from other forums,” he said.

Book Launch: A Testament to History

During the memorial, the President launched two books: The Kategaya Memorial Book and Mrs. Joan Kategaya’s Memoirs. These books provide an intimate look into Kategaya’s life and contributions to Uganda’s political landscape.

One of the revelations from the books was how Joan Kategaya played a critical role in Museveni’s escape from prison in Tanzania in 1973. She recounted how she managed to make a call to Professor Gideon Sherura in Nairobi, who then helped secure the President’s release.

“I want to thank Joan and all those who documented this history. Some of these events I had forgotten, and some I didn’t even know. When you are actively involved in a struggle, you focus on one angle and often miss the bigger picture,” Museveni remarked.
He added, “I read a headline in the New Vision today stating that I was imprisoned for two weeks. But in reality, I was jailed seven other times, including in Bukoba and Mwanza. It is essential to document these events for the younger generations to understand their history.”

The call for a peaceful and orderly transition

Former minister Richard Kaijuka, speaking on behalf of Kategaya’s friends and family, conveyed Kategaya’s wish that President Museveni ensures a peaceful and orderly transition of leadership.

“Kategaya believed in stability and continuity. His wish was for President Museveni, his lifelong friend, to guide the country through a peaceful transition as part of his lasting legacy,” Kaijuka stated.

The President acknowledged this sentiment, affirming that leadership transitions must be handled with care and in a manner that preserves national unity.

The Memorial Service: A celebration of faith and purpose

The memorial service was led by Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole Diocese, who delivered a powerful sermon centered on faith, purpose, and legacy. 

The service included readings from Psalms 121, which reassures believers that “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep,” and John 14:1-6, which speaks of Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life.”

 Bishop Ahimbisibwe emphasized that everyone has a divine mission and that fulfilling it with integrity ensures a lasting legacy.

 “The memory of the righteous is remembered, but that of the wicked fades away. If you focus on your mission, you will be remembered,” he preached.

He encouraged attendees to serve their country selflessly and to remain steadfast in doing good, citing Galatians 6:9: “Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.”

Family Tributes: Honoring Kategaya’s values

Kategaya’s children paid heartfelt tributes, highlighting the values he instilled in them.  Solomon Machel Kategaya recalled receiving a copy of Uganda’s Constitution from his father on his tenth birthday, an act that cemented his appreciation for integrity and hard work.

“My father taught me that success is earned and that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect,” Machel said.

Dr. Juliet Kategaya reflected on her father’s love for reading and planning. “He always encouraged me to think ahead and prepare for the future,” she noted.

Joan Kategaya, Kategaya’s widow, described the day as one of thanksgiving and honor. “Though it has been 12 years since his passing, God’s love has sustained us. I am grateful for the unwavering support of our family, friends, and the President,” she said.
She urged people to document their own stories to leave a legacy.

“History is made by those who write it. I encourage everyone to record their experiences for future generations.”

Joan also highlighted the need to prioritize veterans’ welfare, emphasizing that their contributions should be recognized as a national responsibility rather than charity.

Vice President Jessica Alupo praised Kategaya for his integrity, nationalism, and patriotism.

“I had the privilege of serving alongside him when I was State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs. His guidance was invaluable, and his legacy continues to inspire many,” Alupo said.

She also commended the Kategaya family for upholding his legacy and expressed gratitude to President Museveni and his comrades for their role in liberating Uganda.

A friendship spanning 73 years

President Museveni shared personal anecdotes about his friendship with Kategaya, dating back to 1952 when they met in primary school.

“I first met Kategaya 73 years ago in Kyamate. We both had to travel far for school since at the time, if you completed P5 in Kyamate, you had to study in Kinoni, Kitunga, or Ruyonza,” Museveni reminisced.

He recounted how they stayed together at a teacher’s house and how Kategaya’s character stood out from a young age. “Even then, he was a disciplined, thoughtful person who never engaged in tribalism. He was a true patriot.”

Museveni encouraged young leaders to immerse themselves in history and learn from those who paved the way. “Understanding the past is key to shaping the future. I urge you to document, research, and build on the legacy of those who came before us.”