Bushenyi Municipality locals, leaders eulogize Former MP Arinda ‘Cowboy’

KAMPALA, UGANDA: Several politicians, religious leaders, and legislators have poured in condolence messages eulogizing the former Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality MP, Mr. Gordon Arinda Kakuma aka Cowboy, who succumbed to Covid 19.

Sources close to the deceased’s family say Arinda contracted Covid-19 during Christmas holidays and was admitted to different hospitals for treatment the latest health facility being Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital where he breathed his last.

Following the news of his demise, several leaders, politicians, and locals from Bushenyi and across the country sent in their condolence messages mourning his death.

The Bushenyi District Woman MP, Ms. Annette Katusiime Mugisha in his condolence message posted via her socials described Arinda Gordon as a kind man whose resource mobilisation skills were unmatched as a leader.
“He has been a kind man, a very sociable and fierce leader who pulled out all the necessary resources when it could come to mobilising resources for his people. He will stay in our hearts forever,” she said.

Rt Rev Johnson Twinomujuni, the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese described the late as a leader who chose harmony over conflict for peaceful living even at the tip of political differences.
“Arinda played a big role across the sphere of human social relations, both in extensive and limited ways. Arinda knew how to handle differences as well as tame his personal challenges in order to keep peace. It was evident throughout his tenure that he preferred harmony to conflict,” the bishop said.

The Government Chief Whip who also doubles as the Ruhinda North MP, Mr. Thomas Tayebwa expressed shock after hearing the sad news of Arinda’s death and tweeted thus; “Rest in peace my brother, Gordon. When I went to see you at Mbarara Regional referral hospital on Wednesday, I didn’t know Covid would take you. We prayed and thanked God for having defeated the devil not knowing it was meant to take you today evening. So sad!”

Rt. Hon. Anita Among, the deputy speaker of parliament described Arinda as a dedicated leader who served his people and the country well.
“My sympathies to the family and friends of Hon. Arinda Gordon Cowboy, May his Soul find eternal rest. We shall remember you for your dedication in serving your people and Country in the 10th Parliament,” she tweeted.

Arinda is remembered by the people of Bushenyi and the 10th parliament as a champion of the national health insurance policy. He always mobilised and advocated for an improved health care system that is able to treat all Ugandans as opposed to moving out of the country to seek medical care.

It is not yet clear when the departed MP will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kabuba, Kyeizooba in Bushenyi District. He is survived by one wife and four children.