I met Eriya Kategaya 73 years ago, in 1952 when my parents enrolled me in a girls' school during the second term. As one of only three boys in the school, I connected with Kategaya, who became a key figure in modern education and political activism against Amin's regime. He stressed that everyone's contributions were vital, and he supported my underground efforts by offering his home in Mulago. Kategaya was a principled leader, and despite our disagreements, we had honest discussions, particularly after the elections. I suggested he rejoin me to collaborate on shared initiatives like the East African Federation.