Museveni hails Mugyenyi

“A brave man, an incorruptible person, a patriot, humorous, caring with an engaging smile,” were some of the words echoed by the mourners who turned up at All Saints Cathedral in Kampala to pay their last respects to the former Director of Administration in the central bank, Dr Joshua Mugyenyi, reports Grace Matsiko .“He had an engaging smile and a rare charm...sharp intellect which made him earn popularity in the academic circles. Dr. Mugyenyi made sacrifices that liberated Uganda from the tyrannical rule,” President Yoweri Museveni said. The President said Mugyenyi was a great asset to Uganda and should not have died at a time when he was needed most.Mugyenyi died last week in Pretoria, South Africa, after a six-month battle with cancer. He was husband to state minister for agriculture, Mary Rutamwebwa.The President, who was represented by the Prime minister, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, remembered how Mugyenyi escaped being killed by President Milton Obote agents in 1981 after learning of his contribution to the NRM struggle.Museveni said because of his intellectualism, versatility, patriotism and hard work, Mugyenyi was best suited for the job at the central bank. He said the only way Ugandans could honour Mugyenyi was through maintaining peace in the country.The First Lady, Janet Museveni, said she was touched by the death of Mugyenyi and appealed to family members to dedicate themselves to God so that they can pass through such difficult times.Master of ceremony and friend, James Tumusiime, recalled how Mugyenyi wrestled down a notorious State Research Bureau Agent after an argument. The widow said her husband detested corruption and tribalism. Messages of condolence were sent by the Governor central bank, Tumusiime Mutebile, and ministers among others.Mugyenyi was a founder member of Uganda Patriotic Movement and the NRM. He is survived by a widow and five children. His remains will be buried at Kitwe, Ntungamo district, this afternoon. Born on May 27, 1947, Mugyenyi attained a BA in Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University in 1971 and Master’s Degree in Political Science at Manchester University in 1973. In 1975, he obtained a Post-graduate Diploma from Italy and in 1995 a PhD at Dalhousie University, Canada.