THOUSANDS BID FAREWELL TO BUTALEJA LCV CHAIR JOSEPH MUYONJO AS FAMILY ENDORSES NEW FLAG BEARER
The emotional send-off drew political leaders, clergy, and residents from across the district and neighboring areas, reflecting the influence and admiration the late Muyonjo had built over the years as a teacher, leader, and peace advocate.
Butaleja District
Thousands of mourners on Sunday converged at Bingo Village, Nawanjofu Sub-county, Butaleja District, to pay their last respects to the late Joseph Muyonjo, the former Butaleja District LCV Chairperson and National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, who passed away recently.
The emotional send-off drew political leaders, clergy, and residents from across the district and neighboring areas, reflecting the influence and admiration the late Muyonjo had built over the years as a teacher, leader, and peace advocate.
Mass Led by Fr. Gaetano Ochieng
The burial Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Gaetano Ochieng, the Parish Priest of Mulagi Catholic Parish, who used his sermon to condemn the rising cases of witchcraft and politics of hatred in Butaleja District. Fr. Gaetano decried the divisions that have plagued the district’s political landscape, urging believers and leaders to embrace peace, love, and forgiveness if the community is to prosper.
“Witchcraft and hatred have become the order of the day in Butaleja. We must reject such practices and choose unity over conflict,” Fr. Gaetano emphasized.
Dombo Calls for Reconciliation and Unity
The Chief Mourner, Hon. Emmanuel Dombo, the NRM Director for Communication, led the government delegation. In his remarks, he called for reconciliation and unity among the people of Butaleja, saying the district had been held back by persistent bickering and political rivalry.
Dombo noted that the district could have made progress in cultural and developmental matters, including the installation of the Bunyole Cultural Leader, but these efforts were constantly derailed by disunity.
He further revealed that throughout his political life, he had chosen to support various leaders—Richard Waya in 2006, Joseph Muyonjo in 2011 and 2025, and Yusuf Mutembuli for MP in 2021—despite their earlier political differences.
“I have always believed in unity above personal interest. I supported those who once opposed me because peace and progress for Butaleja mean more than political rivalry,” Dombo said.
Tributes from Leaders and Friends
Hajji Imran Muluga, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Soroti, praised the late Muyonjo for being a bridge-builder. He revealed that it was Muyonjo who reconciled him with Hon. Dombo after years of political animosity. Muluga pledged to support the education of Muyonjo’s children, a gesture that received applause from the mourners.
Hon. James Waluswaka, the NRM flag bearer for Bunyole West and Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, called on the people of Butaleja to practice forgiveness as taught in all holy scriptures.
“Forgiveness is a foundation of peace. Without unity, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.
Hon. Florence Andiru Nebanda, the Butaleja District Woman MP, described the late Muyonjo as a visionary leader who invested heavily in his community despite numerous challenges.
Similarly, Sarah Annet Logose, the NRM flag bearer for District Woman MP, hailed Muyonjo as a “brainy teacher and mentor”, whose contribution to education and leadership will be remembered for generations.
Independent Woman MP candidate Agatha Hamba called upon the community to extend compassion and support to the children of the late leader, while Richard Waya, the former District Chairperson, alleged that Muyonjo’s death had political motives.
On the opposition front, Peter Kaita Munghesi, the NUP candidate for Bunyole West, lauded the deceased as a generous and development-oriented leader, adding that “Butaleja has lost a pillar at a very young age.”
Family Identifies Successor and New Flag Bearer
In an emotional moment during the burial ceremony, the Muyonjo family officially named Mr. Canan Hibombo as their chosen successor and NRM flag bearer for the Butaleja District LCV seat. Hibombo, a retired Procurement Officer of Butaleja District, was described by family members as a man of integrity, discipline, and experience who will continue the legacy of unity and service that Muyonjo championed.
Fresh Nominations Set for October 27–28 According to Julius Muchunguzi, the spokesperson for the Independent Electoral Commission, fresh nominations for the LCV chairperson race are scheduled for October 27 and 28.
By Saturday, several prominent figures—including Elvis Weere, Richard Waya, and Jacob Wangolo—had already expressed interest in joining the race to replace the late Muyonjo.
A Legacy of Service and Humility
The late Joseph Muyonjo, fondly remembered as “Teacher Muyonjo,” dedicated his life to public service, education, and the empowerment of youth and women in Butaleja. His sudden death has left a leadership vacuum and a community mourning a man many regarded as a unifying force.
As the district prepares for fresh nominations, leaders across political divides have called for a peaceful and respectful campaign that honors the values of unity and integrity that the late LCV chairperson stood for.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
