Abooki Kusemererwa John Kumwe: A Pillar of the Tooro Region Passes On

By Andrew Irumba Katusabe

Tooro is mourning. On a somber Tuesday, the skies seemed dimmer, the air heavier, and hearts shattered as the region came to terms with the passing of a distinguished son — Abooki Kusemererwa John Kumwe. His death is not just the end of a life, but the closing of a chapter in the political, socio-economic, and cultural tapestry of the Tooro sub-region.

Who Was John Kumwe?

Abooki John Kumwe was more than just a name. He was a statesman, entrepreneur, cultural custodian, and a political mobilizer whose influence cut across various layers of the Rwenzori region and beyond. Born into the Bacwezi Clan, one of the most revered ancestral lineages in Tooro, Kumwe grew up rooted in tradition but forward-looking in vision.

Political Background

A loyal and long-serving member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), John Kumwe was a political mobilizer par excellence. Known for his oratory skills and unwavering support for the NRM government, he played a key role in bridging the party’s leadership with grassroots communities. His deep understanding of local politics, coupled with his cultural grounding, made him a critical link between Tooro Kingdom and central government structures.

Kumwe often served as a political advisor to senior NRM leaders in the region and was instrumental in calming tensions during electoral periods. He believed in unity, stability, and service, preaching the gospel of development and continuity.

Socio-Economic Background

Kumwe was a businessman with interests in agriculture, real estate, and retail trade. He was one of the early investors in agro-processing in the region, championing value addition for Tooro’s coffee, matooke, and dairy products. Through his entrepreneurial ventures, he employed dozens of youth and supported local farmers with improved seedlings and farming tools.

He was also a founding member of the Tooro Business Community Association (TBCA) and served as its treasurer for several years. His dream was to see Tooro economically self-reliant and its youth gainfully employed.

Religious & Cultural Role

A devoted Anglican and active lay leader in the Ruwenzori Diocese, Kumwe’s faith was evident in his works. He contributed to church projects, spearheaded fundraising drives, and was a spiritual mentor to many. His involvement in both the church and clan affairs made him a voice of wisdom and reconciliation.

In the Tooro Kingdom, he was an Abooki — a traditional title reserved for noblemen who advise the king. He was passionate about preserving the heritage of the Bacwezi lineage, organizing cultural events and mentoring the younger generation in cultural norms and values.

Legacy

John Kumwe leaves behind a legacy of service, humility, and empowerment. To the youth, he was a mentor. To the church, a pillar. To the NRM, a strategist. And to Tooro, a son who never turned his back on home.

As the region prepares to lay him to rest, tributes are pouring in from the Tooro Royal Palace, the NRM secretariat, the Ruwenzori Diocese, and across the political divide. One thing is certain — Tooro has lost a giant, but his spirit will live on through the lives he touched and the institutions he helped build.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.