Hussein Kyanjo

Last updated
Hussein Kyanjo
Died2023 July 22
Resting placeBukomansimbi
NationalityUgandan
Alma materMakerere University
Years active2006 - 2016
TitleMember of Parliament and JEEMA Party Secretary General.
Political partyJustice Forum (JEEMA)

Hussein Kyanjo (September 10, 1960 - July 22, 2023) was a Ugandan politician and former Member of Parliament (MP) known for his vocal advocacy of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. He represented the Makindye West constituency in Kampala, Uganda, and was a prominent figure in the nation's political landscape. [1]

Contents

Early Life and Education

Kyanjo was born in present-day Ntuuma, Bukomasimbi district, Uganda. He attended Bilal Islamic School in Bwaise, Kako Primary School, and Masaka Secondary School. In 1983, he graduated from Makerere University with a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Fine Art. [2]

Political Career

Hussein Kyanjo gained prominence through his appearances on FM talk shows in Kampala, where his debating skills and willingness to defend marginalized communities attracted attention. In 2001, he contested against the experienced legislator Yusuf Nsubuga Nsambu for the Makindye West parliamentary seat, but it was not until 2006 that he succeeded and became the first member of the Justice Forum (JEEMA) to be elected to represent Makindye West in Parliament. [3] [4]

During his tenure in Parliament from 2006 to 2016, Kyanjo served on the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee. He was known for actively addressing issues related to law and order, advocating for improved welfare for police and military personnel, and fighting against police brutality. [5] [6]

Advocacy for Human Rights and the Buganda Kingdom

Kyanjo was known as a strong advocate for human rights and equality. Throughout his tenure in Parliament, he used his position to champion the cause of marginalized communities and address land rights issues. His principled stance on the relationship between the central government and the Buganda Kingdom led him to suggest the possibility of Buganda seceding from Uganda during the 2009 riots.

An outspoken believer in the autonomy and traditions of the Buganda Kingdom, Kyanjo remained firm in upholding their heritage without compromise. Despite his firm views, he was regarded as a politician of honesty and openness. [7]

Sickness

During a parliamentary trip to South Africa in 2011, Hussein Kyanjo's health issues emerged when he experienced difficulty in speaking just two days into the journey. Subsequently, he sought medical attention, and the doctors diagnosed him with dystonia, a condition that can be a result of accidents, poisoning, or, in some cases, hereditary factors. [8] [9]

As his health declined, Kyanjo faced challenges with his oratorical abilities, which had previously made him renowned as one of the country's charismatic speakers. Nevertheless, he remained forthright about his health condition in press interviews, openly discussing the need to have an oxygen tank on standby at all times. [10]

Throughout his illness, Kyanjo maintained an active presence in the public sphere, continuing to engage in the political arena. He advocated for unity among opposition parties in the lead up to the 2011 general election. As the then JEEMA president, he diligently worked to persuade parties such as FDC, DP, and UPC to join forces and field a single candidate against incumbent Yoweri Museveni. This message of unity remained a pivotal aspect of his political advocacy until his passing. [11]

Legacy and Passing

Hussein Kyanjo passed away on July 22, 2023, at Kibuli Hospital, which had an impact on Uganda's political landscape. Various tributes were shared on social media platforms, recognizing his commitment to justice, integrity, and the well-being of the people. [12] [13]

His parliamentary colleagues, including the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and the Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, praised his legislative skills and ability to unite.

Kyanjo's legacy in Uganda's political history includes his advocacy for the rights of marginalized groups and his defense of democratic principles. He is remembered as a prominent figure in the country's politics. [14] [15]

Personal Life and Final Resting Place

Beyond his political endeavors, Hussein Kyanjo was an astute businessman and maintained a simple and humble lifestyle. He was a devout Muslim and held immense respect for the Kabaka and the Kingdom of Buganda. [16] [17]

His wife Sumaya Kyanjo Passed on in 2020 [18]

He was laid to rest at his ancestral home burial grounds in Bukomasimbi on Sunday, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. [19] [20]

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References

  1. Independent, The (23 July 2023). "Hajj Hussein Kyanjo 1960-2023". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  2. "Kyanjo".
  3. "JEEMA, People Power leaders visit ailing Kyanjo - PML Daily". 18 June 2019. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  4. Nantaba, Agnes (27 December 2018). "Hajji Hussein Kyanjo on politics of honesty and openness". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  5. URN (22 July 2023). "Former Makindye MP Kyanjo dies at Kibuli hospital". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  6. https://pmldaily.com (25 March 2020). "HUSSEIN KYANJO: It's time to listen and advise respectfully - PML Daily" . Retrieved 24 July 2023.{{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  7. https://pmldaily.com (7 May 2019). "HUSSEIN KYANJO: What next after the obvious political signs in Uganda? - PML Daily" . Retrieved 24 July 2023.{{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  8. News, Grapevine (7 February 2019). "MP Kyanjo Rushed To India With Level Four Cancer, Cautions Opposition – Don't Cry, Keep Strong, One Soldier Down Should Not Break The Struggle, Never Sell Out To The Enemy, Keep Fighting". Grapevine News. Retrieved 27 July 2023.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  9. "kyanjo".
  10. Paper, The New Light (22 July 2023). "How Former Makindye MP Kyanjo Battled With Disease For More Than 10 Years, Until Death - The New Light Paper" . Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  11. "Kyanjo".
  12. BATTE, BAKER (15 February 2019). "Prolific legislator Hussein Kyanjo has a new enemy: terminal cancer". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  13. "Friends seek Shs105m to save ex-MP Kyanjo". Monitor. 18 April 2022. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  14. "Former Makindye West MP Hussein Kyanjo dead". Monitor. 22 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  15. https://chimpreports.com/author/chimp-corps (23 July 2023). "Hussein Kyanjo's life was cut short – Besigye". ChimpReports. Retrieved 24 July 2023.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help); External link in |last= (help)
  16. Kakaire, Sulaiman (28 October 2012). "Strange disease leaves MP Kyanjo down but not broken". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  17. "I'm not dead, says MP Hussein Kyanjo". New Vision. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  18. "Kyanjo's wife passes on". New Vision. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  19. "Muslims pray for ex-MP Hussein Kyanjo's soul". New Vision. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  20. "Former Makindye West MP Hussein Kyanjo laid to rest". NTV Uganda. 23 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.