Catholic Church mourns ex-education minister Namirembe Bitamazire

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Tributes have been paid to former education minister Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire.

Bitamazire passed on January 14, 2026, at the age of 84.

The seasoned teacher and education manager was praised with even greater gratitude by her admirers during the requiem mass organised in her memory at Lubaga Cathedral on January 20.

Archbishop AUgustine Kasujja (wearing a mitre) and Msgr. Rogers Kabuye Mukasa laying a wreath on the casket bearing the remains of Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire during the requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The children led by Prof. Edrin Kyamanywa (behind microphone) eulogise their mother during the requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Delivering his homily during the mass, former Apostolic Nuncio to Belgium and Luxembourg, Archbishop Dr Augustine Kasujja, described Bitamazire as an exemplary Catholic, who was very deeply committed to the faith.

He further praised her for her dedicated and patriotic service to the country, particularly in the realm of education.

“The Catholic Church has lost a faithful member. Our country Uganda, has also lost a patriotic citizen. She loved the country, which she also served so well in the respective capacities. She served as a teacher, state minister for education and minister of education. She also served as a Woman MP for the greater Mpigi district for a relatively long time. She was also Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Management Institute.”

“Namirembe Bitamazire has been an exemplary Christian. All the parish-priests who have had a chance to work with her speak well of her. She was committed to the faith. She was an exemplary spouse and mother who produced and nurtured good and responsible children, including Prof. Patrick Edrin Kyamanywa, the vice-chancellor of Uganda Martyrs University, the University of the Catholic Bishops of Uganda. Not everybody can lead this university whose motto is: In virtue and wisdom lead the world. Let’s emulate her virtuous disposition,” Kasujja said.

Spirited advocacy

Bitamazire was also eulogised by higher education state minister Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, who spoke highly of her spirited advocacy and participation in the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE).

Archbishop AUgustine Kasujja (wearing a mitre) and Msgr. Rogers Kabuye Mukasa laying a wreath on the casket bearing the remains of Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire during the requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Ministry of education representatives, Prof. Mary Okwakol and Cleophas Mugenyi laying a wreath on the casket bearing the remains of Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire during the requiem mass at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Kampala Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere also lauded Namirembe Bitamazire for her contribution to the Church and the country through her dynamic involvement in education. He said Bitamazire had shaped the minds of many Ugandans and given young people hope through her wise counsel and educational initiatives.

Prof. Kyamanywa, who spoke on behalf of the children, spoke passionately about his mother, describing her as a wonderful parent who had a unique relationship with each of her children.

He also described her as a lover of people who was also committed to community development. Kyamanywa revealed that his mother was a generous lady who used all her talents to uplift others.

“She always told us that a candle loses nothing by lighting other candles. She also always put it to us to appreciate the fact that people rise by uplifting others,” Kyamanywa added. 

Biography ready

He later revealed that prior to her death, his mother had written her autobiography, which the family expects to release on her 85th birthday, which will happen on July 17, 2026.

Various individuals, companies, associations, educational institutions and government departments sent moving condolence messages, all highlighting and appreciating the achievements of Hon Namirembe Bitamazire and her contribution to the education sector and the country. The Office of the President sent a special condolence message, with shillings 50 million. 

Factfile

• Bitamazire was born on July 17, 1941
• A graduate of Makerere University, Bitamazire served the education and sports sector in various capacities with distinction and diligence.
• Her professional career began in teaching at Mount St Mary’s College, Namagunga, and later at Tororo Girls School.
• She made history when she was appointed as the first native Ugandan/African headteacher of Tororo Girls School, which had been previously manned by American educationists.
• Between 1974 and 1979, she served as Senior Education Officer at the education ministry.
• She later became Uganda’s education minister (1979-1980)
• From 1981 to 1996, she served as deputy chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission.
• She helped to shape Uganda’s education workforce between 1999 and 2005, she served as Minister of State for Primary Education. That was the time she worked a lot to implement Universal Primary Education.
• Between 2005 and 2011, she served as minister of education and sports.
• Later, between 2013 and 2021, she served as the Chancellor of Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
• Bitamazire died on January 14, 2026
• She will be laid to rest at Kibugga-Masaakwa, in Butambala, today (Wednesday, January 21, 2026)

Prof. Badru Kiggundu (second-right) with other mourners during the requiem mass for Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire at Lubaga Cathedral on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.