"Had been discharged": Former speaker dies after long battle with illness

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Isaac Kalembe Biromaiso Akiiki, the former and last speaker of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Parliament, died on Tuesday, August 18, 2026

- Kingdom PM Andrew Byakutaga confirmed Kalembe had been discharged from hospital but died in the early hours of the morning after a sudden relapse

- Kalembe served as speaker from October 2018 to October 2023 and was also known as a scholar and author on Bunyoro history

The former and last speaker of the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Parliament died on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at his home in Kampala after a prolonged battle with diabetes.

Kingdom Prime Minister Andrew Byakutaga confirmed the death and extended condolences to Kalembe's family, describing the circumstances as sudden despite an apparent period of recovery.

"He had been discharged from the hospital. I had been informed by the family that he was expected to return to the hospital on the 26th of this month. However, this morning, in the early hours of the morning, he developed again some ailment and then he passed on," Byakutaga said.

The PM extended condolences to Kalembe's wife, children, grandchildren, in-laws, and members of the Babiasi clan.

Kalembe's service to Bunyoro Kitara

Kalembe served as speaker of the Rukurato, the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom Parliament, from October 2018 to October 2023.

Beyond his legislative role, he was regarded as a distinguished scholar of Bunyoro history, having authored the book "Omukama Cwa II Kabaleega: A Life and Legacy, 1853–1923," among other publications.

He also served in the Public Relations department of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) before retiring from its library department.

Leaders mourn Isaac Kalembe

Tributes began arriving shortly after the news broke.

@IsmailKasule4 described Kalembe as "a peacemaker, a skilled negotiator, and above all a true lover of his people," adding that his written works "will forever be our references regarding Bunyoro Kitara."

@muhangi_noel, who worked alongside Kalembe during his time at the UCC between 2010 and 2018, called him "an exceptional partner to journalists," noting that Kalembe had also served as spokesperson for the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. "We will dearly miss this humble and noble son of Bunyoro Kitara," he wrote.

Hoima City West Division MP @EdAmooti confirmed the death on social media, thanking all those who had supported Kalembe through prayers and contributions during his illness.

Isaac Kalembe's burial arrangements

A church service is scheduled for August 19, 2026, at 12pm at St. Peter's Church of Uganda, Nsumbi Kyebando, Nansana, followed by a vigil at his home.

A memorial service will be held on August 20, 2026, at the Bunyoro Kitara headquarters, Rukurato Hall, Hoima City, between 11am and 1pm, ahead of a church service at St. Peters Cathedral, Duhaga.

Kalembe will be laid to rest on August 21, 2026, at 11am at Dwoli-West, Kiragura Parish, Kitoba sub-county, Hoima Town Council. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Miles Funeral Services.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.