Dr Higiro Semajege, a renowned elder in the Banyarwanda community in Uganda, has passed away.

The former Ugandan legislator (pictured right) died Friday evening at Bugolobi Medical Centre, Kampala, where he had been admitted with cancer.

"He was straight forward and highly spoke against the habit of Banyarwanda hiding their identity. We shall greatly miss him,” said Frank Rusanganwa, the Vice Chairman of the Banyarwanda Community in Uganda.  

Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Frank Mugambage, exalted Semajege as a patriotic person who stood for the common good of the people.

"He was at the forefront of enhancing cultural values among Banyarwanda and promoting unity among all the people,” Mugambage said.

The deceased was a highly qualified and experienced economist and held a PhD in economics from the University of Southern California, U.S.A.

"Despite his busy schedules, he always found time to come and teach us about the history of Banyarwanda and why we should remain united. It’s a big loss to us,” Faith Nyiraneza, a student at Nkumba University said.

Semajege began his journey to promote unity among Banyarwanda in the 1950’s when he founded together with the late Mzee Haajje Gashegu - the ABADAHEMUKA association which was popular for preaching unity.

Semajege, a former Deputy Speaker of the Buganda Lukiiko (Parliament) also worked as a consultant for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, (UNCTAD) and the African Union (formerly Organization of the Africa Unity).

He also served as the chairman of the committee on Economy in the Parliament of Uganda and Secretary to Constitutional Review Commission. He will be laid to rest at his home in Sembabule District, Uganda on Wednesday.