New revelations have emerged of legendary politician, Joash Mayanja Nkangi’s last moments before he passed away on Monday morning.
Nkangi, 85, succumbed to suspected pneumonia after complaining of severe pain at Nakasero Hospital in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
Business Focus has learnt that the former Buganda Kingdom Katikiro who also served in various governments was due to be flown out of the country for further treatment only to be denied by his deteriorating condition.
According to his daughter, Josephine Mayanja Nkangi, there was a plan to fly him to India for ‘further investigation’ after he complained of pain.
“For a while now, my father has been complaining about pain here and there. He has been under the care of Dr. Mbonye and Dr. Luzige at Nakasero Hospital. The plan was to take him to India for further investigation,” she said on Saturday.
Nkangi served as Buganda Kingdom Premier, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Josephine added, “However, on February 19th, we realised that he was in a lot of inexplicable pain so we rushed him to the hospital. Until this week (last week) we didn’t really know what the extent of the damage was.”
The former minister was an accomplished lawyer who carried himself with simplicity.
“The doctors said it was pneumonia however, on Sunday, my father took a turn for the worse. An oncologist was called in and on Monday, we learnt that daddy is seriously ill,” Josephine revealed.
She added that moments before his death, Joash had stopped hearing and communicating.
However, on Sunday evening, the ex-Buganda Kingdom premier’s illustrious life was brought to a halt by pneumonia.
Before his death, Josephine had made a plea that no photographs of him be taken and that his dignity be respected.
Ugandans Mourn Nkangi
There has been an outpouring of grief on social media sites as Ugandans of all walks of life pay tribute to the fallen ex minister.
“Owek. Mayanja Nkangi was a true servant leader. An honest, hard working and tireless man. May God grant him eternal peace,” renowned city lawyer, David Mpanga tweeted on Monday.
Bishop Zac Niringiye said, “The passing of Hon J Mayanja Nkangi is the passing of an era! Joash loved the Lord. He continues in His presence.”
It is so sad the passing on of Hon. Joash Mayanja Nkangi. We thank God that he represents non – corrupt leaders in Uganda.
May the Almighty comfort his family as well as Grant his soul eternal peace.
Amen.