The Minister of State for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kyofatogabye Kabuye, has told Parliament that Kampala Capital City Authority has begun the process of renaming Wampewo Avenue as BMK Avenue in commemoration of late Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige.
The Minister’s statement followed a promise by Minister of State for Public Service, Mary Mugasa and Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon Minsa Kabanda, who said they would follow up Parliament’s request to honour the fallen tycoon.
During a house sitting chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Anita Among, Minister Kabuye said that the resolution of Parliament to rename the Wampewo Avenue to BMK, was passed by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on 28 September 2021.
“It was agreed that Wampewo Avenue would be renamed BMK Avenue in commemoration of the tremendous achievements and services rendered by the Late Bulaimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK),” he said.
He added that the Deputy Lord Mayor, Doreen Nyanjura, in the KCCA sitting of 15 September 2021 on the renaming of the avenue, said the move is in recognition of the deceased for his contribution towards national building.
“This was adopted under minute KCCA/04/25 of 2021 and referred to the Standing Committee of Physical Planning for further scrutiny which was later approved by Council on 28 September 2021,” said Kabuye.
In Parliament, the motion was moved by Hon. Muhammad Nsereko and seconded by MP Micheal Mawanda on 15 September 2021.
“BMK was starkly aware of the needs of the poor and society at large whereupon he donated generously to several social causes, by paying school fees for many disadvantaged students with promise, building mosques and churches to create community centers of focus,” said Nsereko while moving the motion in September.
Kibirige, a self-made homegrown tycoon who rose from grass to grace after he dropped out of school, died on September 10 2021 at the age of 67.
BMK, known for his tenacity and hard work is believed to have died of cancer related complications from a Nairobi hospital after years of battling ill health.