Senior educationist Elizabeth Gabona dies in Kampala

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The education sector in Uganda is mourning the passing of Mrs Elizabeth Khaitsa Mabwa Gabona, former Deputy Chairperson Education Service Commission (ESC).

Gabona who retired recently, died on Friday night at International Hospital Kampala.

Her death was confirmed by Dr Asuman Lukwago, the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to ESC, in a post on Social media X.

In a related post, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, revealed that Gabona was one of his mentors.

"She was a moving encyclopedia on education matters and served the country with unwavering dedication. Maama Gabona served with and mentored me when we were both members of Makerere University Council. She was like a mother to me. She recently visited me at the office to discuss her retirement plan, and she was in good health. I was shocked to learn of her death this morning. My condolences to the family and the education fraternity. May her soul rest in eternal peace," reads Tayebwa's post on X.

Elizabeth K. M. Gabona's career at a glance

Working experience

• Deputy Chairperson Education Service Commission since 2016
• Director for Higher, Technical, Vocational, Education and Training, Ministry of Education and Sports.
• Commissioner for Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Sports (2005 to 2008).
• Assistant Commissioner of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Sports (1999 – 2004).
• Assistant Secretary General National Commission for UNESCO (Nov. 1992 – Oct. 1999).
• Project Manager, Education Integrated into Rural Development Project (World Food Programme Project) (1985-1992)
• Inspector of Food and Handling Education Integrated into Rural Development Project (World Food Programme Project) (1980-1984)
• Head of Department, Tororo Girls’ School. (1977-1980)
• Teacher, Tororo Girls’ School. (1975-1980)

Memberships:

• Chairperson Inter-University Council for East Africa, Planning, Finance and Human Resource Committee
• Member, Joint Working Committee AICAD (African Institute for Capacity Development)
• Member Governing Council Uganda Management Institute (UMI)
• Member International Peace Research Association
• Member Regional Forum for Women Educationists (FAWE).
• Member Church of Uganda Higher Education Commission.
• African Institute for Strategic Animal Resource Services and Development (Board Member)