By Mukama Philip Kahigiriza,
BUSHENYI
Thousands of mourners from Kyanamira village, Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi district on Thursday gathered to pay their last respects to their beloved longtime community leader, the late Mzee Mbyemeire John Ruhome.
The funeral ceremony was marked by a solemn holy mass led by Rev. Fr. Bruno, Curate Priest for St. Kaggwa Parish assisted by other other priests including Fr. Muhumuza Ulbano, Fr. Evarist Mutambi, and Monsignor John K. Barugahare.
The main celebrant remembered the late Mzee Mbyemeire as a hardworking, motivational, and inspirational believer who embodied the values of a dedicated community member.
In her eulogy, Hon. Ritah Bwahika, the Mbarara City Woman Member of Parliament commended the late Mbyemire for his commitment to education despite being a casual worker and urged mourners to emulate him. She also cautioned against taking excessive financial loans and encouraged support for government programs like the ongoing population census.
About Mbyemire
Mzee Mbyemeire’s life was marked by his dedication to hard work and community service. He studied at St. Kaggwa and Nyakabanga, later pursuing technical education in Mbale to become a professional driver. He started his work in transporting coffee in various countries before returning home to focus on farming and animal rearing. He married in 1977 and was blessed with nine children and thirteen grandchildren.
As a modern farmer, Mzee Mbyemeire was known for his Fresian cows, which provided school fees for his children through products like milk, butter, hides, and skins. He was a champion of sanitation, environmental conservation, personal hygiene, and smartness. His political service included chairing LC 1, the elderly, Nyakatooma Catholic Church, and the St. Kaggwa Parish Council’s lands committee.
Notable figures at the funeral ceremony we’re Rotarians, legal experts, business leaders, and prominent politicians like Ambassador Richard Nduhura, Hon. Oddo Tayebwa, among others.