Museveni praises his former teacher Kanyarwanda for championing education

BUSHENYI - President Yoweri Museveni has hailed his former primary school teacher, George Kanyarwanda, for championing education and community development in the Ankole sub-region.

In a message read on his behalf by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, during Kanyarwanda’s burial on March 6 2026, in Karaaro village, Kyeizooba sub-county in Bushenyi district, the President described the deceased as a dedicated teacher who shaped the lives of many young people in the region through education.

Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their last respects to the retired teacher and former local government leader, who was widely remembered for his contribution to education and community development.

Kanyarwanda, who once taught Museveni at Kyamate Primary School, passed on peacefully on March 3, 2026, aged 96. He died at his home in Karaaro village, Kyeizooba sub-county.

Tayebwa warns against dependency

Addressing mourners, Tayebwa warned Ugandans against what he described as a growing culture of begging from political leaders, saying widespread household poverty is increasingly making leadership difficult.

“In this next term, our main aim is fighting poverty because it is very hard for a leader to lead poor people,” Tayebwa said.

“It has reached a level where leaders even fear holding meetings because people will ask for transport. You even fear greeting someone because even a greeting becomes an invoice in your hands,” he added.

Tayebwa urged residents to focus on improving household incomes instead of frequently seeking financial assistance from political leaders.

He said the practice of camping at the homes of Members of Parliament for handouts discourages leaders from interacting with their constituents.

“I ask you to give your leaders some rest so that they can lobby for you,” he said.
Tayebwa also revealed that Museveni had a strong personal attachment to the late Kanyarwanda.

“I have represented the President at many burials, but I have never received three calls from him reminding me about an appointment like it happened after the death of his former teacher,” Tayebwa said.

“We have lost ministers and Members of Parliament before, but he has never called me three times. This shows how important the late Kanyarwanda was to him and the country,” he added.

School pledge raised

Michael Mawanda, the Member of Parliament for Igara East, said the deceased died with concerns about the fate of a local school that Museveni had promised to support nearly two decades ago.

Mawanda said in 2006 the President pledged to grant the school, Mungonya Primary School, government-aided status, but the promise has never been fulfilled.

“The late Kanyarwanda loved education and did not want to die before he knew the fate of this school. He told me the President promised in 2006 to make it a government school, but it has never been aided,” Mawanda said.

He added that after the last general elections, the President had planned to invite Kanyarwanda to State House to discuss the matter, but the meeting never took place.

“The Lord does His things in His own way. They were not able to meet,” Mawanda said.
Mawanda also appealed for electricity extension in parts of his constituency following the launch of a power plant in neighbouring Mitooma District.

“I had promised my people electricity after the launch of a power plant in Mitooma and since you are around, you should help me on that,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa interacts with the heir of the late George Kanyarwanda during the burial ceremony. (Credit: Bruno Mugizi)

Remembered for youth and community development

Eldard Karukiiko, a longtime associate of the deceased, described Kanyarwanda as a pioneer who used his passion for youth and community development to unite people.
Karukiiko said the late teacher sponsored the first football tournament in Rwampara District in 1956 during his time as a teacher.

“What we remember about him is his heart for the youth after sponsoring the first football tournament in Rwampara,” Karukiiko said.

He also credited Kanyarwanda for supporting his education when his family could no longer afford school fees.

“The little education I attained was because of the late Kanyarwanda. I remember he paid 35 shillings for me when I was in Primary Three after my father failed to pay, and that is how I continued studying at Bugongi Primary School,” Karukiiko said.

Beyond education, Kanyarwanda also served as LC3 chairperson of Kyeizooba sub-county and later as sub-county chief for Bumbaire, where he advocated wealth creation through agriculture.

“He always advised people to focus on farming for development. Many families have wealth today because they followed his advice,” Karukiiko added.

Family tribute

His widow, Monica Magooba, described him as a loving and caring husband.
“He loved me so much and chose me among many ladies. We lived together with love and supported each other,” she said.

Magooba said she experienced deep pain during his illness but remains hopeful despite the loss.

“When my husband fell sick, I felt a lot of pain. Even now I am still in pain, but I remain hopeful and strong,” she said.

Granddaughter Praise Mutabara described the deceased as a pillar of wisdom and a champion of education who supported many people.

“The first question my grandfather would ask when I came back from work was whether I had been granted official leave or if I had simply escaped,” she said.

“When we were in school, he always asked about our performance and encouraged us to read hard because he loved education deeply,” Mutabara added.

She said many family members achieved academic success because of the guidance and discipline he instilled in them.

“He also taught us to pray and seek God’s guidance in everything we do. We have lost a loving parent, but the values he taught us will live on,” she said.

The President also contributed 20 million shillings towards the burial arrangements.