Tributes paid to late Hormisdallen Schools owner Mukalazi

KAMPALA - Tributes have been paid to the life and work of Kizito Mukalazi, the founder and director of Hormisdallen Schools in Kampala and Wakiso districts, following his death on April 24, 2026.

Mukalazi breathed his last at the age of 71 after spending three days in the intensive care unit at Kampala Hospital, leaving Ritah Nabiryo widowed with two of his 13 children.

One of his children, Dennis Kizito, who is coordinating the funeral arrangements, told New Vision Online on Monday (April 27) that his father also had five adopted children.

He said Mukalazi had been suffering from kidney disease, and his lungs were damaged at the time of his death.

“He has been receiving treatment in various countries, including India, for a long time. When he returned home recently, he was feeling better. However, when we noticed that he had started becoming weaker, we rushed him to the hospital,” the son said.

Mukalazi’s A-list school in Kamwokya, a suburb of Kampala, started as a nursery on February 12, 1986, with nine pupils and three teachers.

It has since expanded to include three other campuses, namely Hormisdallen School Kyebando in Kampala, Hormisdallen School Gayaza and Darline School in Kiteezi, Wakiso.

However, at the Kiteezi campus, he was one of the shareholders.

Eulogised

Mukalazi started the Kamwokya school with the aim of contributing to the community and the general public by providing quality education committed to meeting the evolving challenges of the day.

Higher education state minister Dr John Chrysestom Muyingo said Mukalazi was his friend and described him as a patriotic and humble man deeply committed to shaping the future of the country’s children.

“I urge his family to preserve and grow his vision, and to continue his legacy of compassion,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on April 26, 2026.

The State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, eulogised the deceased as a dedicated educationist.

“Let us honour his legacy by embracing unity, love, and service to one another, beyond all divisions,” he implored Ugandans.

The Katikkiro of Buganda kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, said they were deeply saddened by Mukalazi’s death.

“The late Mukalazi, the founder of Hormisdallen Schools, was a man who loved his kingdom of Buganda. He has supported many of the kingdom’s programmes, including his schools playing host to the Ekisaakaate (an annual children’s holiday camp that provides mentorship),” the Katikkiro said in Luganda in a post on X.

Bishop David Kiganda, an evangelist and Bible teacher, thanked God for the life of Mukalazi, saying he was a humble and generous servant.

“His life reminds us to prepare for eternity and to live with faith, humility, and love for others,” he said.

A memorial service was held at Christianity Focus Centre in Mengo Kisenyi, Kampala, on Monday (April 27).

He will be laid to rest at Kagembe in Semuto town council, Nakaseke district, on Tuesday (April 28).