Museveni’s former Kenyan NRA Comrade, Mzee Wangamati Dies at 89

Mbale, Uganda: The Bugisu cultural institution has joined leaders and families in mourning the death of veteran Kenyan politician and businessman Mzee Patrick Wangamati, a longtime supporter of President Museveni’s National Resistance Army (NRA) liberation struggle during the early 1980s.

The spokesperson of the Bugisu cultural institution, Steven Masiga, confirmed Wangamati’s death on Friday, describing him as a historic ally of the NRA struggle and a respected elder among the Bamasaba community in both Uganda and Kenya.

“Mzee Patrick Wangamati was one of the notable collaborators who supported the NRA struggle in the Bumbo and Magale areas during the liberation war,” Masiga said.

Wangamati, who was born in 1937 in Bungoma County, Kenya, was also the father of former Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati.

According to Masiga, the late Wangamati was a prominent businessman with operations in Bumbo, Magale and Lwakaka areas along the Uganda-Kenya border and allegedly used some of his business establishments to support NRA activities during the bush war period.

“He was highly respected among the Bamasaba people on both sides of the border and contributed significantly during the liberation struggle,” Masiga noted.

Family member Irene Khainza Manghali revealed that the family had already formally notified State House about Wangamati’s passing.

She disclosed that President Museveni had previously expressed interest in meeting the elderly liberation supporter and had tasked Tourism Minister Hon. Goretti Kitutu together with Wangamati’s son to facilitate a visit to State House Entebbe, although the meeting never materialised before his death.

“President Museveni acknowledged his contribution and had requested that he be brought to State House, but unfortunately it did not happen before his passing,” Manghali said.

Masiga said the Bugisu cultural institution, led by Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma, is expected to join mourners in Bungoma County for the burial.

“As Bamasaba of both Uganda and Kenya, we are deeply saddened by his demise,” Masiga said.

He added that Wangamati also previously served as a nominated Member of Parliament in Kenya and remained influential in business and community affairs long after active politics.

Family sources indicated that the Kenyan government is expected to accord Wangamati an official state burial this weekend in recognition of his public service and historical contribution.

Wangamati’s death has sparked tributes from leaders across the Uganda-Kenya border region, particularly among communities with historical ties to the NRA liberation struggle and the wider Bamasaba cultural heritage.