In a heartfelt gathering that brought together a multitude of mourners, the town of Buremba in Kazo district witnessed a dignified final farewell to a remarkable figure, Lay Canon Christopher Rubarenzya. Born in 1928, Canon Rubarenzya's life was a testament to unwavering dedication to the service of God, his beloved country, and his local community.

His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will forever endure, especially in the Ankole region, where he selflessly served throughout his life.

Canon Rubarenzya's contributions to his community were manifold, and they are a testament to his enduring commitment to uplifting the lives of those around him. One of his most enduring legacies was the construction of the Buremba Church of Uganda (COU). 

As a devout Christian, Canon Rubarenzya recognized the importance of a place of worship in the community. He dedicated his time, efforts, and resources to oversee the construction of this church, which became a spiritual hub for the residents, providing a place for worship, solace, and community gatherings.

Additionally, Canon Rubarenzya played a pivotal role in the expansion of Buremba Secondary School. His commitment to education led him to spearhead the construction of a new dormitory for the school, ensuring that the youth in his community had access to quality education. 

This dormitory served as a symbol of hope and opportunity for countless students, and its impact on the educational landscape of the region cannot be overstated.

But Canon Rubarenzya's contributions extended beyond the church and school. He was one of the first government administrators in the area, entrusted by the government of his time with the crucial responsibility of documenting and distributing land in the district. 

His dedication to this task ensured that land allocation was fair and transparent, laying the foundation for peaceful land ownership in the region.

Furthermore, Canon Rubarenzya was actively involved in the supervision of tax collection for many years. His meticulous oversight ensured that tax collection was efficient and served as a vital source of revenue for community development projects. 

His administrative skills and dedication to public service set a high standard for government officials in the region.

It is also worth noting Canon Rubarenzya's unique upbringing in the court of King Edward Surumani Karegyesa of Mpororo.

This early exposure to royal life provided him with valuable experiences and perspectives that influenced his later pursuits.

His access to education during this period was a privilege that he cherished, and it ignited his passion for education as a means of empowerment. 

Later in life, he became a fervent proponent of education for many others, emphasizing the transformative power of knowledge and the importance of equal access to education for all.

At the funeral service, amidst the somber atmosphere, Mr. Philip Tumukunde Ndamira, speaking on behalf of Mzee Rubarenzya's twenty-five grandchildren, delivered a poignant message that resonated with the attendees. 

In his speech, Ndamira painted a vivid picture of his late grandfather, Mzee Christopher Rubarenzya, as a man of true substance, highlighting the stark contrast between his values and the materialistic mindset prevalent in today's society. 

He emphasized that his grandfather was a man who prioritized meaningful contributions to society over the accumulation of material possessions.

He challenged the current leaders of the nation to reflect on the path they are paving for the next generation. He pointed out that despite limited resources, their grandfather had managed to build a church and a hospital, which were evident to all those in attendance. 

In contrast, he lamented the current state of affairs, where significant budgets and power often failed to produce tangible results.

Addressing the leaders directly, Mr. Ndamira urged them not to squander the opportunity to shape the future of Uganda positively. 

"Today, many of you leaders are moving around with big cars, convoys, big budgets, making promises and not fulfilling any of them. Even the little things you start on, you are not accomplishing them; this is something we need to look into as a country," Ndamira said. 

He emphasized the presence of the next generation, ready to carry the torch forward, and warned that if they found the current leaders obstructing their path, they would not hesitate to move ahead without them. 

"We, the younger generation, intend to impact the future of Uganda. You all see us coming; we will work for the country and will surpass those who are refusing to heed the call of history and make the positive changes needed in the country," he cautioned.

On behalf of the President of Uganda, the Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt Hon Robina Nabbanja, conveyed his eulogy acknowledging the concerns and messages relayed by previous speakers and assured the gathering that she would bring their words to the attention of President Museveni for discussion.

President Museveni, in the eulogy delivered by the Prime Minister, said that the Late Rubaryenza even at the age of 98 years, still had so much input to contribute - as he had done for many years since the NRM came to power. 

President Museveni said that the late Rubaryenza has been a big pillar of the NRM in the Western region and will be remembered for his indelible contributions to this country as a model dairy farmer and administrator.

Mrs. Janet Kataaha Museveni, First Lady and Minister of Education was represented by her daughters Mrs Natasha Karugire and Mrs Patience Rwabwogo who conveyed her condolences to the family.

Other notable speeches and messages:
The Minister for Security, Hon Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, took the stage to remember Canon Rubarenzya's remarkable contributions to his nation.

Hon. Sam Kutesa, a seasoned diplomat and former President of the United Nations General Assembly, expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of Canon Rubarenzya. He highlighted the importance of Canon Rubarenzya's work in promoting unity and development in Uganda, making it clear that his legacy would continue to inspire generations.

Enos Tumusiime, a senior lawyer and prominent figure in the Ankole region, shared personal anecdotes about his interactions with Canon Rubarenzya, illustrating the late Canon's unwavering dedication to the local community and his strong moral character.

President Kagame of Rwanda also sent his condolences and a message of solidarity with the family during this difficult time.

The deputy speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa tweeted, "As we bid farewell to Lay Canon Christopher Rubarenzya, our sympathies go out to Omukaikuru Jane Kafunga, his beloved wife of 68 years, and their children, including Hannington Karuhanga, Hope Nyakairu, Stella Tumukunde, Juliet Kasanyu, Paul Katto, Harriet Kafeero and Peace Byaruhanga, as well as the entire family. 

We join them in mourning the loss of a remarkable man whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."

The late Lay Canon Christopher Rubarenzya's life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that selfless dedication to one's country and community can have, and it challenges us all to strive for a better future for Uganda.