President Museveni hails Bitamazire on UPE rollout

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BUTAMBALA - President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed former minister Maria Namirembe Bitamazire for her contribution toward the Education sector in Uganda. 

In his eulogising message read by the Vice President Jessica Alupo, at the former minister's burial at Kibugga village, Budde subcounty, Butambala district, Museveni on Wednesday (January 21) described Bitamazire, the former minister of Education and Sports, as an outstanding educationalist who dedicated her life to the development of Uganda's human resources. 

Born on July 17, 1941, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, a former member of Parliament for Mpigi district, died on January 14, aged 84 years.

"During her tenure as minister of Education and Sports, she oversaw the critical phase of rolling out Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education in both Urban and rural areas", part of the message reads.

Museveni said he salutes Bitamazire for all the tremendous work and commendable contribution to the introduction of successful implementation of progressive and pro-people Education policies.

"The country has lost a great leader whose great talent and experience will be dearly missed. Mama Janet and I send our sincere prayers to the family of the late Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire", Museveni added. First Lady Mama Janet Museveni is the Minister of Education and Sports.

In her personal remarks, Major Alupo recounted the time she took over the Ministry of Education from the late Bitamazire, whom she described as supportive. "A shoulder to lean on". Alupo also described Bitamazire as a mother, teacher and great educationalist who offered her advice whenever she needed it.

"I remember when I had just taken over from her as the new minister of Education and Sports, she encouraged me to seek her support whenever needed. This helped me to be successful during my tenure in that ministry. She always encouraged me to serve God and also seek God's guidance when serving this Country," Alupo said.

Alupo handing over condolence money to Prof. Patrick Kyamanywa, who received it on behalf of the family. (Photo by Simon Ssekidde)

Bitamazire was Minister of Education and Sports from 2005 to 2011.

In July 2013, she was appointed as the Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) and retired in 2021.

Successor: Justice Bart Katureebe replaced her in 2021, taking over her position as Chancellor for a four-year term.

Former Chief Justice of Uganda, Bart Magunda Katureebe, took over the office and was installed as the third Chancellor of the Institute.

More eulogies: 

On behalf of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the Bishop of Kiyinda Mityana Catholic, Bishop Anthony Ziwa, hailed Bitamazire's contributions to the Education sector in the country and the Church.

Bishops laying a wreath on the casket containing the remains of Bitamazire. (Photo by Simon Ssekidde)

Describing her as a loving mother to hundreds, Bishop Ziwa applauded the late minister's parenting skills, which families should emulate. Bereaved children introduced to mourners included Professor Patrick Kyamanywa, the Vice Chancellor of the Uganda Martyrs’ University, Nkozi.

Dr JC Muyingo, the Minister of State for Education, recognised what he termed as Bitamazire's tireless efforts to champion the Universal Primary Education, which earned her the title of 'maama UPE'. 

"Her invaluable contributions to the success of many individuals in the Ministry of Education and the education sector in the country has left an indelible legacy that we must all strive to emulate in advancing human capital development in Uganda", he stated in a message read out by Harriet Ssenkaali, the Assistant commissioner private schools and Institutions.

Professor Patrick Eldrine Kyamanywa, on behalf of the siblings, recounted different experiences and moments they shared with their mother, whom he described as a loving and supportive mother. 

Before burial, the bereaved children, several Bishops and the Vice President cut the cake as a way of celebrating her life. Bitamazire is survived by seven children, including four sons and several grandchildren. 

The late Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, who was accorded an official burial by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, received a seven-gun salute military honour.