Kanungu honour James Garuga will be the highlight of a district council gathering on August 10. This important meeting will celebrate the life of James Musinguzi Garuga, a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist. He died on August 6 at the age of 72 after a short illness, according to his friend Capt Charles Byaruhanga.
Because of his community impact, Kanungu District Council Speaker Frank Byaruhanga, through clerk to council Sam Birungi, has invited leaders from across the region. The guest list includes district council speakers, local council chairpersons, Members of Parliament, resident district commissioners, chief administrative officers, NRM party chairpersons, and municipal mayors from Kigezi and Ankole. The gathering will take place at Garuga’s home in Rugyeyo, Kanungu, starting at 2 p.m.
The programme will start with the national and East African Community anthems, followed by council prayers. Leaders will then review the order paper and pay respects by viewing Garuga’s remains. The presiding speaker will deliver official remarks. After that, council members will lay the national flag and a wreath on the casket. They will debate motions to honour Garuga’s contributions, while representatives from Kigezi and Ankole will offer condolences.
Garuga built a diverse business portfolio. He founded Garuga Properties, Incafex Group, Kinkizi Development Company, Kigezi Highland Tea, and Savannah Resort Hotel. Moreover, he became known for promoting sustainable tourism and protecting Uganda’s environment. He is survived by his wife, Dr Peace Musinguzi; children Rowena, Alwyn, Johnnie, and Phillip; and grandchildren Aden, Matthew, Arianna, Matisse, Isaac, and Milo. In addition, many friends, relatives, and business associates will gather to celebrate his achievements.
A funeral service took place on Friday at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala. Additional memorials will follow on August 9 and 10 at his ancestral home in Rugyeyo. Burial will be held on August 11. Garuga studied at Ruhanyana Primary School, Mbarara High School, and Makerere College. At Makerere University, he earned BCom and LLB degrees. He later completed a Diploma in Legal Practice at the Law Development Centre. Through his work in law, business, and community development, Garuga left an enduring mark on Uganda’s progress.
