President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni….Photo/IP
By Joseph Mauso
MBALE city, Uganda
Patrick Wangamati, a veteran Kenyan businessman, former nominated member of parliament and early ally of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s liberation movement died on Monday at 89.
The Bugisu cultural institution in Uganda announced his passing, prompting tributes from leaders across the East African border.
Wangamati, born in Bungoma in 1937, was a prominent commercial figure in border towns like Bumbo, Magale and Lwakaka.
During the early 1980s, he used his extensive business networks to support Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) during its bush war struggle.
“Hon. Wangamati was a long-time collaborator in the liberation struggle and a respected figure in both Uganda and Kenya border communities,” said Steven Masiga, spokesperson for the cultural institution.
Masiga described him as a “regional bridge builder” who united cross-border communities.
Wangamati’s family, including Irene Khainza Manghali, confirmed that official notifications have been sent to the State House of Uganda.
Museveni had previously recognized Wangamati’s wartime contributions and had been coordinating a meeting to host him at State House Entebbe prior to his death.
Wangamati is also the father of Wycliffe Wangamati, the former governor of Bungoma County.
The Kenyan government is expected to accord the former lawmaker a state burial this weekend in Bungoma.
A delegation of cultural leaders from Uganda’s Bugisu region, representing the Umukuka (cultural leader), will travel to Kenya to attend the funeral services.
