The Prime Minister of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, Andrew Byakutaaga, has eulogised the late Hajji Abdul Rashid Sewali as a business icon and mentor the kingdom has lost.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Hajji Sewali held at Kyabaheesi Cell in West Division, Hoima City; the premier said the deceased developed the kingdom through many outstanding investments including constructing apartments and improving the transport sector connecting Bunyoro with other regions.
He said through Sewali’s efforts, many people have been employed like in Hoima Coach Bus Company, Nsamo Hotel and Sewali filling station among others.
“It is unfortunate that Bunyoro Kitara has lost such an enterprising person who has contributed to the development of the kingdom through constructing apartments and investing in other ventures. Sewali was a mentor to anybody who sought business advice from him,” Mr Byakutaaga eulogised.
Speaking at the same ceremony, the Regional Kadhi for Bunyoro and Tooro, Sheikh Dr Muhammad Irumba, urged all the Muslim faithful to emulate Hajji Sewali by giving alms as one of the fulfillment of the five pillars of Islam that Allah requires of them for blessings.
He also urged the Muslim community to live in harmony so as to promote unity, peace and tranquility amongst themselves as a firm foundation of their faith.
“I urge all Muslims to follow the late Hajji Sewali’s example by lending a hand in helping the needy. The poor need to be helped and when you help them, Allah grants you blessings. You can help by giving food, money and other donations. This is one of the pillars of Islam,” Sheikh Irumba told the Muslims.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Ali Babi, a renowned politician in Hoima, said the late Sewali was a generous person who willed to advise anybody on business and entrepreneurial skills once approached.
Cause of death
According to Mr Babi, Hajji Sewali succumbed to whooping cough and allergy.
Sewali’s early life
Hajji Sewali was born in 1936 at Kihomboza 1village formerly in Kitoba sub-county currently in East Division, Hoima City.
He went to Duhaga Boys primary school for his primary level before joining Duhaga secondary school for his Ordinary and Advanced levels.
He later joined Makerere University where he acquired a Diploma in Journalism.
From school, he was appointed the Hoima District Communications Officer where he worked for few years before joining Bugambe Tea Estate.
It was while there that he resigned and became self employed at the age of 35 until his death on December 27, 2020 at 84.
