Iconic Kigezi leader Canon John Bitunguramye dies at 102 years

Iconic Kigezi leader Canon John Bitunguramye dies at 102 years
Kisoro
The former Kisoro LCV chairperson and Presidential advisor on Kigezi Issues Canon John Bitunguramye has passed away at the age of 102.
Canon Bitunguramye, who has been battling a long time illness from his residential home in Kamonyi, northern ward, Kisoro Municipality for the last six years breathed his last at 8pm at St Francis Hospital, Mutolere where he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit following complications with his digestive system.
Hope Bitunga, one of the daughters to the late Bitunguramye, told VOM that her late father had generally been in good spirits but the complication was extremely worrying.
Bitunga says her father lived a full life and was a man greatly respected by his peers and revered by other leaders throughout the entire Kigezi region.
“What saddens me the most is that my father has passed away during a period in time when all deaths in the country are being linked to COVID- 19. My father was a great man who loved life and we endeavored to observe the SOPs. He was loved by many and he will be dearly missed.” Said Bitunga.
Canon Bitunguramye’s woes date back to 2016 when he suffered a stroke that nearly ended his life. He was airlifted from Kisoro and taken to Nakasero Hospital where he received treatment for four months, upon which he returned to his home in Kisoro district.
Achievements:
Bitunguramye served as the Kisoro district LC V chairperson from 1991 to 1999 and will always be remembered for his pivotal role in the formation of the new district that was breaking away from the greater Kigezi region.
During his tenure as district chairman, he was honored with a life appointment with an honorary warden of Uganda National Parks Organization in 1995 in recognition of his contribution to the Wildlife conservation efforts in gazetting land for Mount Mgahinga National Park and other parks in Kigezi region.
Conservationist and Tour operator Gerard Nkusi described the late Bitunguramye as a man who lived honorably and that his efforts more than a decade ago has allowed young generations to reap from his foresight.
In June 2012, President Museveni appointed Bitunguramye as the senior Presidential Advisor to Kigezi region, a role that was renewed in 2016 and has remained valid till his day of passing.
The President of Uganda General Yoweri Museveni also awarded Canon Bitunguramye with the Medal of Honor during Labor Day celebrations for his service to the country.
Kisoro district LCV chairperson Abel Bizimana said a great resource of knowledge and experience about Kigezi has been taken from this world. He noted that more leaders need to emulate the life of the Late Canon John Bitunguramye because he was excellent in all his dealings.
The late Canon John Bitunguramye is survived by 5 children, 19 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Canon John Bitunguramye’s Profile
The late Canon John Bitunguramye was born on June 1st 1919 to the Late Mose Semajeri and Racheli of Cyintare Village, Nyakinama Sub County, Kisoro district.
Primary School – Gihuranda Primary School, Seseme Primary School.
1953- 1956 – Joined Bishop Stewart College Kakooba where he studied teaching and later graduated as a Grade 2 teacher.
December 1957- Married and wedded Grace Bitunguramye for 62 years and had six children
1967- Appointed Assistant Secretary General of Kigezi that included present day; Kabale, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Kisoro, Rukungiri
1969-1971- Appointed Secretary General of Kigezi
1980- Appointed 1st post master of Kisoro. He also became the founder and coordinator of Seseme girls’ secondary school.
1991- 1999 serves as Kisoro LCV chairperson for two terms.
1995- Appointed as Honorary Warden of Uganda National Parks Organization in Kigezi region.
2010 – 2012 Synod members of Muhabura Diocese with the leadership of Bishop Shalita Ernest appointed John Bitunguramye to the status of Canon for his excellent moral character and spotless leadership.
June 2012- Appointed Senior Presidential Advisor on Kigezi Issues.
May 1st 2015- Awarded Presidential Medal of Honor during Labor Day Celebrations in Kisoro district.