By Sir Richard Kaijuka
- H.E the President & Mrs Janet Museveni
- All Senior Government Officials Present
- The Church fraternity led by Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe (Bishop of South Ankole Diocese)
- The Larger Kategaya Family
- Ladies & Gentlemen in all you Distinguished Capacities.
- All Protocol Observed
It is both a great honour and a profound pleasure to pay tribute to my dear friend, the late Rt. Hon. Eriya Kategaya, who departed from us 12 years ago in March 2013. His memory remains vivid in our hearts, and his legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
I first met Eriya Kategaya in 1961 when he joined Ntare School alongside President Yoweri Museveni and other remarkable young men like Alfred Kambendyaho (Kambe), Jossy Byamanywoha (Byamah), Mark Karazarwe, Wilson Mande, Arthur Manyindo-Isoke, Nimrod Oboth-Owino, Valerino Rwaheru, Yoasi Kayamba, Omongin-Osiru, John Bagabirwa, and George Bagamuhunda, among others.
At the time, I was two years ahead of Eriya Kategaya who was living in Baker House and your Excellency and I happened to be in the same House; Mbaguta House, but even then, he stood out as a gentle, soft-spoken, and thoughtful young man whose quiet demeanour masked an exceptional intellect.
Our bond grew stronger through our shared passion for debate when I served as President of the Ntare School Debating Society. I distinctly remember how Eriya enthusiastically campaigned for President Museveni to become Secretary of the society — a reflection of his loyalty, belief in others, and early sense of justice.
Years later, our paths converged again as we both joined the struggle against the Idi Amin dictatorship of the 1970s — although we served in different wings. Eriya joined the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA), while I aligned with the Save Uganda Movement (SUM). Despite our separate affiliations, our shared commitment to liberating our country united us in the greater cause for justice and freedom.
Following the overthrow of the Obote II government in 1986, our journey brought us together once more — this time in the Executive and Legislative arms of government, including the Constituent Assembly. It was during these years of close collaboration that I came to know Eriya even better.
He proved to be a highly skilled and diplomatic legislator — principled, patriotic, and unwavering in his convictions. He detested sectarian politics and was a firm advocate of a meritocratic society, where one’s ability and integrity, not tribe or affiliation, determined their place in society.
In Cabinet, Eriya was a consummate consensus builder, always seeking common ground among divergent views.
While he valued dialogue and compromise, he remained steadfast in his principles, never sacrificing his core beliefs for the sake of convenience.
His calm demeanor, coupled with his sharp intellect, earned him the respect of both colleagues and adversaries. He had the rare ability to listen attentively, synthesize differing opinions, and forge solutions that balanced inclusivity with unwavering adherence to what he believed was right.
On a personal level, Eriya had a deep affection for cows — a passion rooted in his Ankole heritage.
As a token of our enduring friendship, I gave him a cow, a cherished tradition in Ankole culture. Our bond extended beyond mere acquaintanceship, as we frequently visited each other’s homes and attended family functions. At Kampala Club, we both enjoyed an active sporting life — Eriya excelled at lawn tennis, while I found my stride on the squash court.
His warmth and sociable nature made him a natural choice to serve as patron of our club’s social groups, Goat & Gurus, where his presence brought camaraderie and goodwill to every gathering.
Eriya Kategaya’s enduring legacy is that of a man who loved his country deeply, upheld honesty, and stood by his word even when it was not popular to do so. What we — and future generations — must learn from him is the simple but powerful principle: say what you mean and mean what you say.
In a world often driven by self-interest and survival, Eriya remains a shining example of simplicity, integrity, unwavering principles, loyalty, humility, sincere friendship and steadfast devotion to the greater good.
In Conclusion-My heartfelt prayer and humble request to you-his lifelong childhood friend, President Yoweri Museveni — a wish that Eriya himself often expressed — is that you guide the country towards a peaceful and orderly transition of power, as a lasting legacy to the nation you have both served with dedication.
I would also urge you, President Museveni, to regularly engage with Eriya Kategaya’s surviving comrades of over 75 years — a remarkable generation whose wealth of experience and unwavering patriotism can offer you honest and invaluable counsel on matters of national importance. These comrades are not seeking jobs or favours, but simply wish to offer sincere, selfless advice in the spirit of safeguarding the values and aspirations for which you all sacrificed.
Finally; To his family, I appeal to you to draw inspiration from his unwavering courage, emulate his strength of character, and uphold the integrity of his name. Let his legacy guide you to always build bridges of unity, for together you will stand strong, but divided you risk losing the foundation he so firmly laid. Thank you all for your kind attention, and may God’s blessings be upon you. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
