Engineering fraternity mourns Dr. Rugumayo

OBITUARY

Tributes are being paid to Eng. Albert Isimbwa Lya'Waraga Rugumayo Amooti, a former lecturer of engineering at Ndejje University and Makerere University, who passed on last week at the age of 60.

Rugumayo's most moving eulogies were given by his professional colleagues and former students, during a memorial service that the engineering fraternity organised for him at St Francis Chapel, Makerere University on Wednesday.

Among the engineering dons that eulogised Rugumayo was Eng. Umaru Bagampadde, the Dean of the School of Engineering at Makerere University, who represented the Management of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT). Bagampadde referred to the demise of Rugumayo as a "tragic loss."

"Professor Albert Rugumayo has participated in many activities at the college which have contributed to the attainment of the vision of Makerere University. He has made enormous academic and research contributions within the school of engineering and to CEDAT. He was a man of all classes of people, the old and the young, the teaching and non-teaching, and many others. He would respect people in authority and endure values and regulations of Makerere University."

The acting dean of the faculty of engineering at Ndejje University, Engineer Joel Mubajje also spoke highly of Rugumayo.  "He had the character and charisma for his calling as a teacher. He matched an optimistic temperament with bold persistent action. He excelled in areas that demonstrated his curiosity and love for people.

The Late Associate Professor Engineer Dr Albert Isimbwa Lya'Waraga Rugumayo Amooti (1958-2018)

"He loved teaching students and was loved for his gentleness, intellect and caring demeanor. Some of his ideas were ahead of his time. The clarity and intensity of his convictions led to a professional following."

Engineer Dr. Francis Tusuubira also said: "His smile was in his eyes. In him you saw a professional engineer."

Dr. Rugumayo was also eulogised by Engineer Vincent Ochwo (the President of the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers), Dr James Ssemuwemba, Dr Ronald Musenze and Dr Andrew Naimanhye among other professional engineers and dons.

The service was conducted by the Chaplain of St Francis Chapel (Makerere University), Rev. Onesmus Asiimwe.  Rev. Engineer Emmanuel Mwesigwa, a former student of Dr Rugumayo and current Chaplain of St Kakumba Chapel, Kyambogo University, delivered the homily.

The memorial service was also graced by Eng. Albert Rugumayo's wife, Edna Rugumayo and children who included Mpuuga Bitanywaine Rugumayo, Ira Lya'Hangi Mbeeta Rugumayo, Kogene Bakwali Rugumayo and Bbobbo Ndahura Wamara Rugumayo.

Dr Rugumayo will be laid to rest at Kasiisi, Kabarole on Saturday following a funeral service that will start at 11:00am.