Mbale, (UG):- Bamasaaba cultural leaders have called on the government to grant an official burial to the late Mrs Catherine Eleanor Hanyiga, the revered composer of their cultural anthem.
Steven Masiga, the spokesperson for the Inzuyamasaba cultural institution, confirmed the development in an interview with DailyExpress, saying the Bamasaaba community is seeking an official burial to honour Mrs Hanyiga for her significant contribution.
Mrs. Hanyiga, who passed away yesterday evening at the age of 74, was a respected music and literature teacher. While the family has not yet announced burial arrangements, Mr Masiga said they are waiting for Inzu Yamasaba leadership to reach out to the Government about the necessity of a national burial.
“Many Bamasaaba people, including local leaders and community members, have expressed their desire for the Government to honour her legacy with a state funeral,” Masiga noted.
The Spokesperson added that while attending an event at an industrial park in Mbale, President Museveni showed his support for the Bamasaba cultural anthem.
“He [the President] mentioned that if the East African countries federate properly, he would choose the Bamasaba anthem as the East African anthem. This has added weight to the call for an official burial for Mrs. Hanyiga,” Masiga explained.
The cultural leader, through his Prime Minister Inzu Yamasaba, has assured the public that necessary steps are being taken to engage the Government on the matter. Local politicians, including former Bududa District Woman MP Hon. Justine Khainza and Namisindwa District MP Hon. Sarah Netalisire, have also called on the Government to give Mrs. Hanyiga the official burial she deserves.
Various radio stations, including OPG, Signal FM, Step FM, Time FM, and BCU FM, have hosted callers who echo the same sentiment, advocating for an official funeral.
Earlier this year, the Bamasaaba cultural institution, under the leadership of Umukuka III, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, honored Mrs Hanyiga’s contributions with a certificate and a monetary award of one million shillings.
The recognition was supported by notable individuals and institutions, including Hon. Sarah Netalisire, Hon. Emmanuel Mutanje, Ambassador Angelina Wapakhabulo, Prof. Florence Wakoko, Mt. Elgon Hospital, and media platforms like DailyExpress, NTV, and Daily Monitor.
Catherine Hanyiga’s life
Mrs. Hanyiga who hailed from Sironko but lived in Mbale and was married in Butaleja District was a teacher of music and literature and an active member of various organizations.
Her anthem, with lines like “Khusima wele Lweshishalo Masaba,” is celebrated for its cultural and spiritual depth, as it prays for the unity and prosperity of the Bamasaaba people.
Mr Masiga expressed sorrow at her passing, lamenting that the composer, who prayed for the long life of the Umukuka (cultural leader) and the Bamasaaba, deserved to live longer herself. “Her words will forever live with us,” Masiga concluded.
Catherine is survived by her husband, Mr. Hanyiga, and their children. She will be buried in Butaleja. Her contributions to the cultural and educational spheres have been widely recognized, especially by the Bamasaaba community.
As the Bamasaaba await the government’s decision, the legacy of Mrs. Hanyiga remains an enduring testament to her commitment to cultural preservation and unity.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
