BY JEROME KULE
The people of Kasese and the entire Rwenzururu Kingdom subjects in general have been cautioned against clinging onto the negative while downplaying the positive contributions of any deceased persons.
Rev. Ezra Yongeza Mukonzo, the Chairperson of the Inter-faith Committee in the Rwenzori sub-region says there is a tendency of the people to always remain stuck in the past and only speak about the evils of an individual without due regard to the positive contribution of that person.
Rev. Mukonzo made the remarks today during the funeral service for ex-rebel leader, Phinehas Bwambale Kisokeranio, held at the Peace and Security Centre in Kamaiba, Central Division of Kasese Municipality.
Quoting the biblical book of Ezekiel 18, Rev. Mukonzo argued that much as Kisokeranio’s life is partly marked by a dark history having been one of the founding commanders of National Army for Liberation of Uganda-NALU and Allied Democratic Forces-ADF, he had transformed into an ambassador of peace and should therefore also be remembered for the reformed person that he had become.
The Man of God urged the people of Kasese and the entire Rwenzori sub-region generally to desist from dwelling on the past, noting that biblically even Saul turned into Paul and became instrumental in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rev. Mukonzo emphasised the need for reconciliation and forgiveness to always take centre stage in the people’s lives.
Rwenzururu Kingdom Prince, William Kibanzanga, remembered Kisokeranio for his contribution in establishing the Rwenzururu Movement and introducing Isaya Mukirania, the Rwenzururu Kingdom’s founding father, to most of the contacts in the highlands of Kasese.
Mr Johncation Muhindo, the team leader at Creations Forum Afrika-CAF, who is also one of the technical persons at the Peace and Security Centre in Kamaiba, says while it is true that there are dark episodes in the life of Kisokeranio, he also ought to be remembered as a revolutionary who was only unlucky that his revolution didn’t capture.
He also appealed to the people of Kasese to appreciate Kisokeranio’s efforts in advocating for the split of Kasese district from Tooro.
ENDS