Hundreds of mourners converged at the burial of Bamasaaba King Sir Bob Mushikori at his home in Busai village, Bududa District, Eastern Uganda.
The late Mushikori who took over as Bamasaaba leader in 2015 died on 4th January 2021 at a Mbale Hospital. He had passed on a few days after election of his successor John Amran despite differences that emerged among members of the institution.
Speaking during the funeral service in Bududa, leaders of Inzu ya Masaba among them the Culture Chairman Omar Njofu commended the late Mushikoro for his great contribution in bringing Bamasaaba people together and initiating development culture among the community.
He assured members of Bamasaaba community of strict adherence to the aims and dreams of the late Mushikori.
The county government of Bungoma was led by the Deputy Governor Prof. Charles Ngome ,Bungoma County CEC member for Culture and Gender Evelyne Kakai, the Chief Officer in the office of the Governor Denson Barasa among others.
Speaking during the service, Prof Ngome challenged the Inzu ya Bamasaaba Institution to consider electing the 4th Omukuka from Kenya hinting that the Kingship should be rotational. Prof. Ngome further appealed to authorities from both Uganda and Kenya to desist from harassing citizens at the border points instead give them good business environment and exchange of ideas.
Chief Officer Denson Barasa appealed to Kenyans to take advantage of the good relationship that exists between Kenya and Uganda to take part in business activities that will empower them economically. He further urged Kenyans to cross to Uganda for job opportunities and education.
“There are so many opportunities in Uganda be it in education, job industry among others, “revealed Mr. Barasa. “Bamasaaba from Kenya should cross over to Uganda and take up these opportunities,” he emphasized
The late Bob Mushikori was born on 23rd April 1948 at Busai, Bududa in the clan lineage of Bob S.K Mushikori son of Kipiro Mushikori, son of Mushikori Saulmon, son of Tsauson of Mulyala, son of Tsau Meno, son to Khatondi, son to Mututa, son to Kiuwa, Mulando in Musoba of Wangakho.
He received his formal education in the following schools; Kisabasi sub grade school, Church of Uganda Nanyele Bududa Primary School, Nabumali Junior, Nabumali High School, Majasi High School, East African Railways College Nairobi Kenya, University of Toronto Canada, Canadian History and Canadian English Literature, Ontano Labour College Canada where he was awarded a Diploma in Labour/Counseling.
He also attended the Southern Korea Political Mobilization academy, Political Mobilization Education Entered School for Military and Clandestine Studies in Israel, University of Andersen Sacrament USA where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science.
Over decades Sir Bob S.K Mushikori held several diverse leadership positions in which he demonstrated outstanding political, united innovation and revolutionary courage to fight those likes of regimes of Amin and others.
He has served in several positions such Operations Manager-Canadian Municipal Government of the city of Toronto in the Department of Works and Emergency Services, Solid Waste Division 1986-2010 May 31st then retired honorably from service.
He worked at General Service Office and later promoted to the position of Principal office of the President Kampala, in charge of borders and Airport security controls between 1982 and 1985. Between 1980 and 1982, he worked as ADC Personal Assistant to the Minister of Rehabilitation.
Mushikori worked as a Special Assistant Chief AIDE District Chairman/Mbale President Lule’s Government appointment between1979-1980.
While in exile both in Kenya and Tanzania, Mushikori joined Tanzanian and Ugandan forces to oust the then Ugandan dictatorial President Iddi Amin 1979.
Mushikori was also a Youth Member of the Uganda National Consultative Council during the Uganda’s Interim Government between 1979 and 1980 working with the Minister for Defense Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is the current Uganda President before moving to the office of the short term President Binaisa.
After the inauguration of Omukuka Wilson Weasa Wamimbi, Mushikori was appointed the Minister in INZU Ya Masaaba in charge of North America (Diaspora).
He was also the Executive Chairman-Africa Green Environment Relief and Development Agency (AGERDA), Canadian/Ugandan registered (NGO) that advocates for planting trees.
Until his election on 30th June 2015 as the new Omukuka of Inzu Ya Masaaba he was coordinating the North America Mbale Cultural Association, NAMCA, Uganda Chapter.
Bob won several prizes and awards including Parliament of Canada award, the War Veterans award (House of Commons by the city of Toronto), the Queen Elizabeth Night Sir award by the Governor General of Canada, City of Toronto Management and Customer Service distinction award, the Canadian Sick Children’s Hospital Excellent award, the Toronto Rotarian Distinction award, the Toronto Lions Club award, the Canadian Uganda Martyrs Church award, the United way community International award, the North America Mbale Cultural Association Diaspora Bamasaaba elders award.
He leaves behind a widow, nine children, fourteen grand children and one great grandchild