Eriya Kategaya: A fallen Ugandan political icon honoured for his legacy
Kategaya, a pivotal leader in Uganda's National Resistance Movement (NRM), played a crucial role in shaping the country's politics.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to his long-time ally, the late Eriya Kategaya, describing him as a trailblazer in patriotic politics and a staunch nationalist. Speaking during a memorial service held at Kololo, Museveni reflected on their decades-long friendship, which began in 1952 when they met in school.
“I met Eriya Kategaya 73 years ago when my parents enrolled me in a girls' school during the second term. As one of only three boys in the school, I connected with Kategaya, who later became a key figure in modern education and political activism against Amin's regime,” Museveni said.
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Kategaya, a pivotal leader in Uganda's National Resistance Movement (NRM), played a crucial role in shaping the country's politics. As a firm believer in pan-Africanism, he advocated for a united East Africa, emphasising regional cooperation as a key driver of development and prosperity. His vision for Africa left a lasting imprint on the region.
Kategaya, who served as Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs until his passing on March 2, 2013, was remembered for his significant contributions to Uganda’s political landscape and efforts in regional integration.
Museveni acknowledged Kategaya’s role in combating identity-based politics, which he said had hindered Uganda's progress.
“In the 1960s, it was due to Kategaya that we started seeing the mistakes of UPC, DP, and Kabaka Yekka, which were based on the politics of identity. We tried to influence the situation, but people were not listening, and it led to the collapse of 1971 when Amin came in,” Museveni said.
Despite past political disagreements, Museveni highlighted Kategaya’s unwavering principles and valuable contributions.
“Kategaya had a different approach, but he brought in a lot of contacts that we didn’t know or have,” he noted.
During the memorial service, two books were launched in Kategaya’s honour. One book, featuring tributes from 20 distinguished individuals, celebrates his legacy, while the second, titled Reflections of Resilience, is a memoir by his widow, Joan Kategaya. Consultant editor Albert Gomes Mugumya urged attendees to document their experiences for future generations.
Vice President Jessica Alupo also paid tribute to Kategaya, describing him as a dedicated nationalist and Pan-Africanist.
“We have converged here today to celebrate the life of Eriya Kategaya and his numerous achievements,” she said, recalling his strategic insights in cabinet discussions that influenced critical policy decisions.
Joan Kategaya expressed gratitude to those who have supported her family since his passing.
“Indeed, God’s protection has surrounded us. He has shielded and guided us through every season,” she said.
Dr. Juliet Kategaya, the late leader’s daughter, also acknowledged Museveni and the government for their continued support.
“My father was a passionate and strategic community leader; he showed us the benefit of planning ahead of time,” she said.
Kategaya, a lawyer by profession, was regarded as Museveni’s closest ally and was often seen as the second-in-command during the early years of the NRM. However, he fell out with Museveni in the early 2000s over the removal of presidential term limits.
In May 2003, he was dismissed from his ministerial position for opposing the constitutional amendment. Despite briefly joining the opposition, he reconciled with Museveni and returned to government in 2006 as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs.
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