Kibaki mourns Uganda deputy PM

President Kibaki has sent a message of condolence to President Yoweri Museveni and the people of Uganda following the death of the neighbouring country’s First Deputy Prime Minister.

Mr Eriya Kategaya, who was also Minister for East African Affairs, died at Nairobi Hospital on Sunday.

In his message, President Kibaki said that the death of Mr Kategaya, 67, was not only a big loss to the Uganda Government and his family but also to many people who had found a dependable friend in him.

He said the minister’s death leaves a huge gap within the Government of Uganda and among those he interacted with, which would be hard to fill.

“To everyone who knew him and had the opportunity to work and interact with him, the late Eriya was well-respected as a humble man of outstanding ability,” said President Kibaki.

He further said that Mr Kategaya will be remembered for his active role in Ugandan politics, adding that it was due to his political charisma that he became one of the longest serving ministers in the country’s history.

“Mr Eriya Kategaya was a long-time associate of President Yoweri Museveni starting from their school days in the early 1960s. He served in various capacities for the NRM (National Resistance Movement) and as government minister,” said the Head of State.

An inspiration

He added that Mr Kategaya’s legacy will continue to be an inspiration to young politicians and many others he has left behind.

At the same time, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka also mourned the departed Uganda leader.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of the First Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda Eriya Kategaya. We served with him as foreign ministers during the early stages of East Africa integration. He was a friend and a professional colleague,” said Mr Musyoka.