Fallen Kagadi district education officer eulogised

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Officials, leaders, and residents from the Greater Kibaale District Education Department are mourning the passing of Kagadi district education officer (DEO), Bartholomew Bukenya, who succumbed to internal organ complications at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

Bukenya, 59, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the national health facility in Kampala after several months of hospitalisation, according to family sources. He had served as Kagadi district education officer since 2016, following the creation of Kagadi from the Kibaale district. 

His death comes just months before his scheduled retirement this year. 

Before becoming DEO, Bukenya worked as a classroom teacher, headteacher at Nyaruziba and Kagadi Modal primary schools, county chairperson for Buyaga, area inspector of schools, and finally as the district education officer for Kagadi.

He is survived by his widow and four children and will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Nyaruziba Cell, Kagadi Town Council, on Saturday, April 12. 

The deceased’s younger brother, Michael Babwetera, the headteacher of Kabamba Primary School, described Bukenya's death as a great loss for both their family and the district.

“It is quite unfortunate that he passed before reaching his retirement age. He was due to retire next year, but had applied for early retirement due to his health complications. We shall greatly miss him as our elder brother. He was our mentor—God-fearing, humble, loving, kind, and down-to-earth with everyone,” said Babwetera.

Dr Cleophus Mugenyi, the commissioner in charge of educational standards at the Ministry of Education and Sports and former Kibaale district education officer, recalled mentoring Bukenya from his days as a classroom teacher to becoming district education officer. He praised Bukenya’s dedication, integrity, professionalism, and resilience.

“I mentored him from a classroom teacher to area inspector of schools and finally to district education officer. I remember him as a humble, professional teacher with determination, good time management, a smart work ethic, and an excellent knowledge of educational issues,” said Mugenyi.

Alice Kabasana, the assistant head of laity for Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese, praised the late Bukenya as a God-fearing public officer who encouraged teachers to love their profession and instilled Christian and moral values in learners.

“He always urged teachers to uphold the professional code of ethics and etiquette. Despite his position as Headteacher, he would still go to classrooms to teach his favourite subject, social studies,” said Kabasana.

Geofrey Businge, the mayor of Kagadi Town Council, remembered Bukenya as an organised and informed civil servant, and a mentor to both teachers and learners. He noted that Bukenya would encourage teachers and public servants to improve their qualifications and professional development.

Beatrice Mbabazi, the senior education officer for Kagadi, credited her promotion to the senior ranks within the education department to the mentorship she received from Bukenya, urging other officers to mentor their juniors for higher achievements.

The body of the late Bukenya will be taken to St Mary’s Kagadi Catholic Church for a requiem mass this Friday. On Saturday morning, Kagadi district councillors will hold an extraordinary council meeting to pay their last respects in honour of his legacy in transforming the education sector in the district.

The Kagadi district deputy chief administrative officer, Vincent Kyaligonza, expressed deep sorrow at Bukenya’s passing, stating that he had been ill for the past two months. Kyaligonza noted that Bukenya had applied for early retirement from the Ministry of Public Service, effective from July this year.

Buyaga East MP, Eric Musana, paid tribute to the life and work of Bartholomew Bukenya, calling him an icon in education and a development expert for the region. Musana highlighted Bukenya's advocacy for both the girl and boy child’s education and his tireless efforts to improve and advocate for teachers' welfare.

“The Greater Kibaale community has lost a great inspirational leader and advisor. His legacy should be emulated by other civil servants. We will greatly miss his impact,” said Musana.