Mourners Confront MPs Over Funeral Contributions at Former Buyamba MP's Burial

Mourners gathered to pay their final respects to former Buyamba County MP Amos Mandera Mugerwa were involved in a tense confrontation with regional legislators over funeral contributions. The situation escalated to the point where police intervention became necessary to restore order.

The incident unfolded when Kalungu East MP Joseph Ssewungu Gonzaga delivered a message from Parliament, announcing a Shs10 million contribution from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. Ssewungu also detailed local contributions, noting that Buyamba County MP Gyaviira Ssemwanga gave Shs5 million, while Woman MP Juliet Ssuubi Kinyamatama contributed Shs1 million.

The announcement triggered anger among sections of the crowd, who deemed the amounts inadequate and demanded the money be returned. Police deployed extra officers to de-escalate the situation and allow the funeral proceedings to resume.

Reflecting on the chaos, Ssewungu urged politicians and citizens to avoid dragging local community disputes into funeral rites, warning that such actions threaten regional peace. Earlier, religious leaders and political figures, including State Minister for Luwero Triangle Alice Kaboyo and former Ruhinda South MP Donozio Kahunda, paid glowing tributes to Mandera’s dedicated public service.

President Yoweri Museveni, represented by State Minister for Primary Health Care Hanipher Kawooya Bangirana, also conveyed condolences and delivered a Shs10 million contribution toward the expenses. Meanwhile, Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye strongly condemned the rising trend of violence and unrest at burial ceremonies across the region.

For more details on this story, read the full report on Nile Post.