Government has mourned the passing of the Bugwere cultural leader His Royal Highness Dr. John Chrysostom Wayabire, who passed away on Sunday 7th February 2021.
The lkumbania passed on at Platinum Hospital in Kampala where he was undergoing treatment for COVID-19. He was enthroned as the Cultural Leader of the Bagwere on 6th July 2013 and he since then took bold steps in uniting and advancing development among the people of Bugwere.
According to Hon. Peace Mutuuzo the Minister of state for Gender and Cultural Affairs, His Highness Wayabire enshrined a spirit of unity and co-existence among his people through a host of peace initiatives that sought to diffuse tribal conflicts over wetlands bordering Bugisu and Bunyole.
“His efforts paid off as there was reduction of conflicts among neighbors since his enthronement as the Ikumbania. He championed a concrete development agenda that placed the clan leaders at the forefront as change agents at the grassroots. He will be remembered for creating revenue streams for the 86 clans through different economic ventures. More importantly, he reclaimed the reverence of the Bugwere Cultural Institution and today the Bagwere are proud of their heritage like never before” Mutuuzo said.
At the time of his demise, His Highness was the National Chairman of the Uganda Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum and Interim Chairman of Africa Kings and Cultural Leaders Forum and Head Bishop of the
At home, His Highness Dr Wayabire's vision was dedicated to the education of his people and to greater engagement with the world.
Government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is making arrangements to accord the deceased leader an Official send off as Per the 2005 Public Service Circular Standing Instruction No. 3.
The burial is slated for Saturday 20th February 2021 at Kenkebu village, Kenkebu Parish in Kibuku District.
He death comes just a month after that of the Kamuswaga who passed on earlier in January 2021 due to COVID-19.
