Kyenjojo Council Falls Silent as District Mourns Hon. Kakyomya Isidore Araali

The usually vibrant chambers of Kyenjojo District Council fell into solemn silence on Thursday afternoon as leaders, family members and residents gathered for a Special Extra-Ordinary Council Meeting to honor and mourn Hon. Kakyomya Isidore Araali — a respected legislator, elder statesman and unifying voice in district leadership.

The special sitting, convened at Kyenjojo District Headquarters under emergency provisions of the Local Government Rules of Procedure, was called following the passing of the Male District Councillor representing Elderly Persons on February 4, 2026.

From the opening prayer to the laying of the wreath, the mood in council chambers was heavy with grief, reflection and tribute.

Hon. Kakyomya joined the District Council in 2021, representing Elderly Persons, and quickly distinguished himself as a leader of depth and discipline. Shortly after his swearing-in, he competitively won the chairmanship of the powerful Finance, Planning and Administration Standing Committee — the engine room of council responsible for shaping work plans, budgets and final resolutions.

Colleagues described him as meticulous, principled and firm, yet humble in character. As chairperson, he presided over one of the most technically demanding committees with calm authority, guiding members through complex financial and administrative decisions that shaped the district’s development trajectory.

Beyond procedure and policy, Hon. Kakyomya was remembered as a counselor and bridge-builder, a unifier in divided moments. Drawing from his strong religious grounding, he often helped calm heated debates and reminded fellow leaders of their shared responsibility to serve the people of Kyenjojo.

His mastery of both vernacular and English, combined with his eloquence and clarity of thought, made him a commanding presence on the floor of council. When he rose to speak, members listened.

Several of the motions and proposals he presented during his tenure were adopted as council resolutions, directly influencing governance and socio-economic transformation in the district.

Tributes highlighted not only his legislative contributions but also his mentorship and human touch. Hon. Kakyomya believed leadership extended beyond the chamber. He fostered teamwork between political and technical wings of the district and actively participated in social and development-oriented engagements that strengthened unity.

His colleagues spoke of a man who turned ordinary interactions into learning moments and whose presence inspired discipline and collaboration.

The special sitting brought together the District Chairperson, representatives of Members of Parliament, the Resident District Commissioner, the District Executive Committee, councillors, religious leaders, department heads, family members, and members of the public.

As wreaths were laid and tributes delivered, the message was unanimous: Kyenjojo has lost not just a councillor, but a pillar of stability and wisdom.

In an emotional address, the LC V Chairperson Hon Gilbert Rubaihayo described Hon. Kakyomya as a stabilising force within council and a leader whose counsel shaped major district decisions.

“Today, Kyenjojo has not just lost a councillor; we have lost a pillar of stability and wisdom,” the Chairperson said. “Hon. Kakyomya’s leadership in the Finance Committee ensured that our plans and budgets reflected discipline, accountability and the needs of our people.”

The Chairperson further noted that many of the district’s adopted resolutions bore Hon. Kakyomya’s influence, particularly in strengthening financial oversight and aligning sector priorities with the district development agenda.

“His voice was calm but firm. When he spoke, members listened—not because he was loud, but because he was wise,” he added.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Thaddeo Kasaija, while eulogizing the late, praised him for being such an important contributor to the development of the district, and promoting the ideologies of the government. “Even in his advanced age, Hon. Kakyomya remained active and deeply engaged in community affairs, recognizing the challenges faced by the elderly, he accepted the responsibility of serving as the Representative of Older Persons in Kyenjojo District. In this role, he became a powerful voice for senior citizens, advocating for improved access to health services, social support, and inclusion in government programs”, he remarked.

The Chief Administrative Officer, Kyenjojo, Mr. Masereka Amis Asuman, paid tribute to Hon. Kakyomya’s ability to harmonize political oversight with technical execution.

“Hon. Kakyomya understood the delicate balance between policy direction and technical implementation,” the CAO said. “He worked closely with the technical team, always seeking clarity and ensuring that council decisions were practical and implementable.”

The CAO described him as a leader who valued teamwork and professional engagement.

“He was not confrontational; he was consultative. He encouraged constructive dialogue and respected the role of the technical officers. His leadership strengthened cooperation within the district.”

For fellow councillors, the loss is both professional and deeply personal.

Hon Kayondo James Komwiiso, the Katooke Sub County Councillor, visibly emotional, described him as a mentor and mediator.

“Whenever debates became heated, he would lean forward and quietly say, ‘Let us remember why we are here.’ That alone would calm the room,” he said.
“He was our counsellor, our unifier. He reminded us that leadership is service.”“He did not seek attention. He sought solutions. Many of the resolutions we proudly implement today carry his fingerprints.”

His eloquence in both vernacular and English made him a commanding yet humble presence on the council floor. His contributions were deliberate, thoughtful and rooted in the welfare of the people—especially the elderly whom he represented.

But beyond the chamber, Hon. Kakyomya was a father, a husband, a grandfather, a pillar within his family. Kakyomya Junior Gonzaga, speaking on behalf of the family, described the deceased as a man of quiet generosity.

“At home, he was our strength and our guide. He believed in prayer, in unity and in hard work. He carried the responsibilities of family and community with the same seriousness.Even when he returned tired from council meetings, he would still ask about everyone. He never separated leadership from love.”

Those words brought visible emotion to many in attendance.

In his closing remarks, the Speaker of Council, Hon Ronald Karamagi, saluted Hon. Kakyomya Isidore Araali for his distinguished service and prayed that the Almighty God grant his soul eternal rest.

The council adjourned in silence, a powerful symbol of the void left behind by a leader whose term was set to end in May 2026, but whose legacy will endure far beyond it.