Former Mayor of Mbarara Municipality, Robert Bakira Rutehenda passed on this morning at Nakasero Hospital after a week’s illness.
Rutehenda hails from Nyakigando village in Ibanda district. He was born on 11th November 1942 to late Edward and Keroyi Rutehenda.
In December 1972, he married Victor Rutehenda and they had 7 (seven) children.
The Bishop of North West Ankole, Rt. Amos Magezi has expressed shock on learning of the untimely death of Canon Robert Bakira Rutehenda who has been a church pillar for years.
Canon Rutehenda who was Mayor of Mbarara Municipality for 15 years since 1989 was also the Chairman of the NRM in Ibanda district. He is remembered for use of the word ‘Bonga’ during one of the campaigns for Mbarara Municipality Mayor.
Mzee Rutehenda, a passionate farmer, was the Head of the Laity of Nyabuhikye Archdeaconry in Northwest Ankole diocese. He was a member of the finance committee of the archdeaconry and diocese, board member of Ibanda Kibubura Integrated School, Chairman board of governors Muko Vocational Institute and board member of Ibanda District Farmers Association, among others.
He supported the NRA freedom struggle that brought the NRM government to power.
A family member has told SoftPower News that upon the prompting of Rutehenda’s father, the deceased did not join university but left High School for farming at Kyibega Ranch, Nyabushozi in present day Kiruhura district.
He later studied better farming practices in Netherlands studied before joining politics.
According to the Nyabuhikye archdeaconry, Reverend Canon Yorokamu Mwesigwa, Rutehenda who attended his last meeting last week complained of chest complications before he was rushed to St. Luke medical centre where he was referred to Nakasero hospital.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.