Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has eulogized fallen author Festo Karwemera who died on Sunday at the age of 96.
Rugunda applauded the great work done by the late Karwemera which included authoring a variety of books.
“Omugurusi (old man) Karwemera has without a doubt been our leading living dictionary and reservoir of our cultural heritage, language and traditions. We are grateful that he has left documentation in form of books, audios, videos about our heritage for use by current and future generations,” said Dr Rugunda on Tuesday.
“I, for example, recall how on a visit to omugurusi Karwemera’s Akeehogo, the museum in Kabale town with my family, were struck and impressed by how he had meticulously collected and preserved artifacts from the past that show how Bakiga used to live,” he added.
Rugunda further said that a conversation with now the late Karwemera would never leave one the same.
“We consulted him on many aspects of our culture, history and heritage and in all situations he was always willing and generous in sharing his wisdom,” he noted.
Kigezi sub region, Uganda and Africa, Rugunda said, has lost a “legend” whose trademark, gentle presence in Kabale town and various occasions where he brought so much dignity and respect will be missed.
Among the significant contributions made by the late Karwemera is his participation in the translation of the English Bible to Runyankole/ Rukiga and the Runyankole Rukiga dictionary called “Katondozi” which he co-authored with President Museveni.
Karwemera was a language consultant, author, editor and a consultant on culture.
Source – chimpreports.com
