KAMPALA
Jimmy Akena, the president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has said he wishes to be buried next to his father, the late Milton Obote, Uganda’s first prime minister and two-time president.
“When I die, bury me at the feet of my father,” Akena said.
The 58-year-old outgoing Lira East Division MP made the remarks on April 15 during a press briefing at UPC headquarters in Kampala, where he was eulogising Kaweche Kaunda, son of Zambia’s founding president Kenneth Kaunda.
Akena said he was unable to attend Kaunda’s burial in Lusaka but was represented by a family member.
“Yesterday was the burial of Kaweche Kaunda. He was like an older brother to me and a son to my mother,” Akena said.
Kaweche Kaunda, 67, died on April 9 in Douala, Cameroon, and was buried on April 14 at the State Lodge in Lusaka.
Akena described the deceased as a “gentle giant” whose life strengthened ties between the Obote and Kaunda families. He recalled their recent meeting in Uganda and plans to visit their fathers’ burial sites, which did not materialise.
“Last year, Kaweche was in Uganda and spent time with my mother. We had planned to visit the burial grounds of his father and also travel to Dar es Salaam, but this did not happen,” he said.
Reflecting on his upbringing in exile, Akena said Kaunda had played an important role in his life.
“Growing up in exile, I did not have a family setting. In Kaweche, I believe Kenneth Kaunda had a true representative. He lived a committed life without scandal,” he said.
Akena also referenced earlier contriversies sorrounding the burial site of Kenneth Kaunda, which was eventually resolved with the former president being interred at a designated presidential burial site, and made a public burial request.
“In my case, I have made it very clear, bury me at the feet of my father, whatever happens, bury me at the feet of my father. Other issues notwithstanding” he emphasised.
Kaweche Kaunda is survived by a wife and three children. His son, Malume Kaunda, described his father as a man who loved storytelling and engaging with people.
Zambia’s Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha called for unity among citizens, saying death affects all people regardless of status.
“The best way we can live life is to love one another,” Kabesha said during the burial.
