NEWS- Magnitudes of people from the districts of Ntungamo, Rukungiri and beyond on Friday 23rd February 2024 congregated at St Matthew Cathedral Kyamate to pay their last respect to the late Elliot Kabangira Magande aka Mzee wa Kazi who passed away on Thursday 22nd February 2024 at Mulago hospital Kampala where he was receiving treatment.
The First lady Janet Museveni remembered Elliot for his deeds with trust, enthusiasm, loving his job and also his impact in the media fraternity by broadcasting truth not false information. In her comforting words, the first lady condoled with the widow Eva Kabangira, that being close to God is the only way to leave and secure a place in heaven.
The clergy, politicians, civil servants among others commended Mr Elliot Kabangira Magande for his commitment to his job, loving every one to his or her integrity.
John Wycliffe Karazarwe, the former Ntungamo District boss said he could not miss paying tribute to the iconic journalist, teacher and everyone’s mentor and asked the remaining staff members to keep their light rays shining better to the people and do all it takes to sustain the station as the late Kabangira did.
The half-brother to the late, Col. Bernerd Tugume said that Kabangira was not only his brother but a friend, hardworking man, friendly to everyone. Col Tugume thanked the Bishop of South Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe and the entire diocese for honoring the late Elliot Kabangira.
The wife to the late, Ms Eva Kabingra eulogized his husband as a committed, hardworking, and a social person who succumbed to prostate related cancer illness.
Rt Rev Nathan Ahimbisibwe of South Ankole Diocese commended the late Kabangira for loving people without segregation and discrimination, urging people to avoid segregation and discrimination as well as using their talents and gifts to develop their names.
Elly Katahinga, representing radio Ankole staff hailed the people for the love they always showed the late Kabangira Magande stressing that he was a commanding leader, who endeavored that everyone is given direction on how to perform their roles well.
Mr Katanga also commended Bob Kabonero and the station director Hon Mwesigwa Rukutana for their efforts in ensuring that Kabangira was accorded all the required treatment until his last breath.
Katahinga hailed the agents and fans for their support rendered in sustaining the radio station during Mr Kabangira’s reign and asked them to keep the same spirit for the continuous progress of this station.
Canon Ezekiel Tumwesigye told the mourners during the service that the deceased was a no nonsense man and would advise everyone in the society on how best they can be in the future.
According to the Ntungamo based Daily Monitor journalist Perez Rumanzi, the late Elliot Kabangira was a mentor to everyone, especially journalists, he worked as a teacher and died as a Journalist.
Rumanzi added that Kabangira worked with different radio stations including UBC, Kinkizi FM, Rukungiri FM and with Radio Ankole as the Station Manager by the time he died.
The deceased’s children said their father would advise in a comic manner describing him as a teacher and loving dad. They requested the clergy to keep them in prayer for comfort during these trying moments.
The Late Elliot Kabangira Magande died at the age of 70 years. May His Soul Rest in eternal Peace.
