Nagenda (84) who passed on Saturday at Medipal International Hospital in Kampala where he had been admitted for weeks was one of the longest serving media advisors of President Museveni although he sometimes publicly criticized his policies.
However friends and family of the late described him as a creative writer and sportsman. Former prime minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda said the country had lost one the leading prolific writers and a patriot.
He further added that Nagenda was a straight forward man who wrote and spoke his mind and he was politically consistent and inspired both the young and the old.
“May his soul Rest In Peace.”
The minister for presidency ,Ms Milly Babalanda also said Nagenda was unique principled,and knowledgeable.
EARLY LIFE
He was born John Robin Mwesigwa Nagenda on 25, April 1938 in Rwanda. His parents went to Rwanda as Christian missionaries.
When his parents returned, Nagenda started home based education at Kiwanda in Namutamba Mityana District and later joined formal education in schools like kings college Budo, Busoga college Mwiri and Kigezi High School.
He later joined Makerere University where he obtained a degree in English and he was later hired by Oxford Priting press in 1962 and deployed to Kenya where he worked for several years.
He later traveled to the United States where he lived for several years and often criticized Ugandan governments of the time.
“ 1’m lucky to have lived outside Uganda. If I had stayed here (Uganda) I would have been killed, I’m sure I would never have shut because I can’t.” Nagenda said.
However returned to Uganda after President Museveni captures power in 1986. “ From that time onwards I am in the National Resistance Movement. Its not perfect because sometimes I have little fights with the rulers of whom I am one ,”he said.
Nagenda also predicted Mr Museveni’s victory against Mr Robert Kyagulanyi during the 2021 elections and he come out and said this should be Mr Museveni last term as president during our interview with him at his home.
“I also think he should start training a successor but if he has no intention of doing it , I will lecture him about it even though I cannot see anybody who could take his place……”
LOVE FOR CRICKET
John Nagenda loved sports especially cricket .He played at the One Day International (ODI) match during the 1975 World Cup for East Africa.
The Uganda Cricket Association released a statement yesterday and appreciated the contribution done by the late and said Nagenda was one of their founding trustees.
“Mr Nagenda was one of the two Ugandans to play cricket at World Cup in 1975 alongside Mr Sam Walusimbi in England . He was pivotal in ensuring that the game survived during the turbulent times and his wise counsel guided a lot of administrators,”the statement read in part.
