Kikuube council mourns Banura, names university block in his honour

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Hundreds of Kikuube residents, members of the religious and business communities, and political leaders from across the Bunyoro sub-region joined the Kikuube District Council to pay tribute to the fallen district chairman, Peter Banura.

Banura, the son of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Matayo Kyaligonza was struck by a speeding drone taxi, registration number UBQ583E, and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital in Hoima city on April 4, 2026.

According to Albertine South region police commander SSP Frantile Lwamusayi, Banura was knocked down along Hoima Fort Road in Butyamba-Kamusunsi village, Kiziranfumbi Town Council, as he was dropping off garden workers at their Bukinda internally displaced persons (IDP) settlement.

Janipher Namuyangu, the Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, holding the portrait of the deceased Banura and other leaders as they received Banura’s body. (Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi)

After medics confirmed his death, Banura’s body was taken to Kampala for further management by A-Plus Funeral Management Company. On April 8, 2026, his body was returned to his home in Lumina village, Buhimba town council.

The body, escorted by a group of boda-boda riders and a UPDF band, was first taken to Kikuube district headquarters for viewing and homage.

The viewing was preceded by an extraordinary council meeting chaired by Kikuube district speaker Chris Nkalu. A Requiem Mass led by Monsignor Robert Mugisa, vicar general of Hoima Catholic Diocese, was held prior to the council meeting.

In his homily, Mugisa called on the gathering to always strive to do good if they are to inherit God’s Kingdom. He noted that Banura was a man devoted to God and to helping others. Every month, Banura organised a prayer at the district headquarters to dedicate the district to God.

Quoting Matthew 25:32-40, Mugisa said, “Banura lived on the right hand, and I encourage everyone here to desire to be on the right hand.”



Extraordinary council resolution

During the council meeting, councillors resolved that one of the administration blocks at Bunyoro University be named after Banura.

The motion was tabled by Vicente Opio, Kikuube district vice chairman, who said Banura deserved to be honoured for his contributions to development. He highlighted Banura’s advocacy for environmental conservation, turning the district into a tourism destination, and creating Bunyoro University.

Opio noted that Banura had presented a motion to turn Bugoma Forest Reserve into a wildlife reserve, which had been passed by the council before his death. He also highlighted the establishment of a district administration block worth billions of shillings during Banura’s tenure.

The motion received support from council members, including Ruth Kobusinge, Alex Byesi, Edith Barungi, and Kwikiriza Risa, who described Banura as a leader who promoted cohesion, fought tribalism, and worked selflessly for community welfare. After debate, the council unanimously resolved to name a Bunyoro University administration block in his honour.

Other leaders speak out

Andrew Moses Awanyi, president of the Uganda Local Government Association, described Banura as a distinguished leader and urged Bunyoro leaders to emulate his example.

Janipher Namuyangu, Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, and public service state minister Grace Mary Mugasa said the region had lost a strong future leader and praised Banura’s patriotism and exceptional leadership skills.

Kikuube district resident commissioner Godwine Agalia described Banura as down-to-earth and a proponent of reconciliation. He noted that investigations into the accident are ongoing, and a report will be released soon.

Agalia condemned those politicising Banura’s death, calling their actions inhuman.

Former Kikuube resident commissioner Amlan Tumusiime said the President had shown keen interest in the incident and was following up on Banura’s death.

“The President called me asking how his son had died. I explained what I knew and provided the contact of the DPC Kikuube, whom he called. The President is investigating this matter,” Tumusiime said.

The late Banura will be laid to rest today, Thursday (April 9).