By Andrew Irumba
Fort portal: Tooro elder Isingoma Kimome John Victor Amooti, 75, who died on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, will be buried on Sunday, December,27,2020, the family has confirmed.
Muzei Kimome, born April 15, 1945, and commonly known in Tooro as Jongo succumbed to COVID-19 at Victoria Hospital in Bukoto, Kampala on Wednesday.
According to his son Ruben Kimome Araali, his dad will be laid to rest on Sunday at their ancestral home in Nsoro village, Kahuna, Kijura Town council in Kabarole District.
Kimome fathered 19 children, but two died, so he left on earth 17 biological children, although he took care of more than 50 by the time of his death, according to reliable sources.
One of his sons, Ruben Kimome, a lawyer by profession is contesting for Burahya County MP seat, currently occupied by Margaret Muhanga, who is now contesting in Fort Portal North after the constituency was divided. Kimome is now fighting against veteran politician Steven Kagwera who bounced back on NRM ticket, among other contenders.
It’s said that Kimome senior has been playing a central role on the ground for his son’s bid. “His death definitely is a big blow to the camp, because Mzei has been our ‘compass’ on the ground, given his seniority in the community,” a member on Kimome’s task force intimated to this reporter.
When asked about how best he could describe his dad, Kimome said; “My dad was a very wise man. He balanced each person and everyone around him knew was his favourite. He always had pride in the success of others. Every minute spent with Jongo is the best memory. He was a man of his own class. My memories with him can not be fully explained. Maybe, one day I will write a book or act a movie about him for record’s sake. I believe it can be the best selling world over. My dad was a superman”.
While breaking the sad news of his dad’s demise on Wednesday, Kimome wrote on his Facebook thus; “My greatest friend, my dad, my everything has gone to be with the Lord. Omugurusi Isingoma Kimome Jongo Amooti my mentor, my hero… was a true definition of a Prince, a perfect gentleman, an orator, God’s vessel; to cut it short, a wise man.
I admired you like no other and anyone in my circles can testify to this. You were a man of virtue. I want to be like you dad. I will forever live in your footsteps my Jongo. My promise is to make you proud. We meet in heaven my Gen. It is well with my soul. Rest in perfect peace”, Kimome posted.
Muzei Kimome, a member of the Tooro kingdom ruling clan, The Babiito is remembered among others, as a man who spoke his heart out, without mincing his words, even when he knew they would hurt you, as long as he believed it was the truth. The current kingdom administration has had a number of ugly encounters with him over the maladministration of the kingdom properties. He was also a senior member of the Tooro elders’ forum.
Kimome rose through the ranks to become the General manager of Kijura Tea Estates before he retired to private business. By the time of his death, he was a proud modal farmer in the area with fish ponds, cows, banana plantations, beehives among others. In an interview with one of the local dailies recently, he revealed that he was earning over UGX50m per annum from his projects. RIP.
