Hundreds mourn Prof. Alibaruho

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda this afternoon described Prof George Alibaruho, the first Ugandan to graduate with a first class degree in Economics at Makerere University, as a fighter for excellence.

Rugunda was eulogizing the deceased during a requiem mass attended by hundreds at Our Lady of Africa Catholic Church Mbuya in Kampala.

According to his education biography, Alibaruho was one of the only two students that got a first class degree in Economics awarded by the University of East Africa at Makerere University college between 1965-1968. He also attained a Master's degree and PHD at the University of California at Berkeley, USA in 1970 and 1973 respectively.   

"George could have been a planner for this country and there was time for him to plan for this country but unfortunately, he was never used," said Prof Samuel Lunyigo, a friend to the deceased.

Sottie Bomukama, a brother to Alibaruho also spoke in the same vein, saying he (deceased) would have loved to serve the country when he was still full of energy. "His heart was always with Uganda even when he occupied the several positions he held abroad."

Another speaker plainly stated that for his contribution, knowledge and capabilities in Economics, the late should have an endowment in his honour.

Rugunda who spoke in the affirmative said it was very legitimate and appropriate and that Government working closely with Alibaruho's family and friends will ensure that his enormous contribution is formerly recognised.  

"What I certainly know is that George wanted very much to make this contribution and Government too, wanted to have him make his contribution. But there is need to find out the missing links," The Premier said. He also revealed that President Yoweri Museveni was a close friend to the deceased and school mate in Ntare School.

Alibaruho, 71, succumbed to advanced cancer that originated from the gall bladder. Giving an account of her brother's illness, Prof Adeodata Kekitinwa said the doctors only managed to detect the type of cancer he suffered from after a postmortem report saying it was hidden and attached to the liver.  

Prof. Alibaruho's wife Lucy and her children giving a speech during his funeral service. Photo by Godiver Asege

Commonly referred to as Uncle G, Alibahuro who has worked in a broad spectrum of professional areas has been a member of the Global Institute for Development Evidence advisory council, a policy analyst with vast experience in Programme and Institutional Development, Project Design and Analysis and a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow.

He also worked as a senior and subsequently Principal Advisor, UN, working with the Executive Secretary and senior staff of the UN Economic Commission for Africa. He helped conceptualize, develop and advise management on the substantive programs of the Commission since early 1997.

Alibaruho has also been a country economist and subsequently a senior economist at World Bank where he designed and advised on implementation of economy-wide and sector adjustment programs in Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and supported multi state integrated rural development projects in Nigeria.

The Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda with his wife laying a wreath on the casket the late Prof. Alibaruho. Photo by Godiver Asege

At the time of his death, he was a Professor of Economics/Dean, Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, Kabale University, a non-Executive Director of Equity Bank and a board member and shareholder of Kyamuhunga Tea Company.

On behalf of his siblings, Kwatsi Alibaruho, described his father as a generous man who loved everybody. "I am totally proud and honoured to have been his son," he said.

Kwatsi is NASA's first black Mission-Control flight Director. NASA, (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), is the agency of the United States Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program. 

Lucy Alibaruho, the widow, said her husband was out of this world and very passionate about his children. "I am blessed to have known him and I will always cherish his love."         

The deceased is survived by a widow, ten children and 13 grandchildren. Burial is scheduled for Saturday at his ancestral home in Kyamuhunga, Bushenyi district.