Henry Kisajja Magumba Kyemba

Kodeyo!

Henry was born on 8th February, 1937 in Masese-Jinja, during the waning years of British colonial rule in Uganda. His mother Suzana Babirizangawo was the impish daughter of a local chief, Daudi Mutekanga. Chief Mutekanga married her off to Suleiman Kisajja, a descendant of chief Luba, the “warrior.” Chief Luba was associated with the anti-colonial resistance and with the Bishop Hannington murder controversy. The Suleiman household was extensive. Suzana4 and Suleiman3 raised several boys and girls. Amongst them were: David J.K. Nabeta, Adonia Katagwa5, Rehoboam Lume Kisajja, Elijah K. Mutyabule8 (b. 1932), Nasani James Nabeta7 (b. 1934), Besweri9 (b. 1936), Henry K.M. Kyemba6 (b. 1937); and sisters: Mpakire, Losira1 , Flore (Florence), Mangalita2 (“Margaret”), “Lucy” from Lukolo, Bettu (“Beatrice”) and Lovinsa. Henry took education seriously and followed in the footsteps of his eldest brother, DJK. Henry completed his Cambridge School Certificate (1951 – 1956) at Busoga College Mwiri; studying alongside many others that would soon usher the launch of the new Republic. After completing Makerere University (1957 – 1962) with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in History, his OB, Apollo Milton Obote, tapped him to become his private secretary in civil service (1962 – 1971). Henry’s early years in government exposed him to many key officals, including Idi Amin. Idi Amin confided in him and appointed him to the cabinet position of Minister of Health (1973 – 1977). Despite Henry’s academic record in the Arts, he was genuinely attentive to the plight of citizenry afflicted by not only rampant epidemics, such as sleeping sickness, but many other illnesses associated with poor hygiene and sanitation. However, Idi Amin’s abuse of office and power culminated in a daring and successful escape. Henry authored an exposé while living in exile: Kyemba, Henry.  A State Of Blood — The Inside Story of Idi Amin.  Ace Books, 1977. This book shed light on the grotesque regime; masked by the somewhat humourous caricature of Idi Amin in western media. Henry completed a Master of Arts program at Northwestern University in Illinois, and returned to Uganda, and to dairy farming in 1980. He stayed out of politics for much of the early 1980s — during the return to power of Milton Obote and several subsequent coup d’états. The ascension of Yoweri Museveni’s more promising leadership, from the grassroots level, spurred Henry to resume politics. First, as the Constituent Assembly Member of Parliament (1993 – 1994) for Jinja West Municipality. Henry was also appointed to the cabinet position: Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (1989 – 1994). In 1987, Henry embarked on a storied Rotary journey. He led the nascent Rotary Club: ‘The Source of the Nile.’ Eventually rising to District Govenor of Rotary International: District #9200 Favoring to advocate for national reconciliation and an independent judiciary, as an elder in civil service, Henry served on the Judicial Service Commission (2006 – 2016). Henry has a large and extended family.