Police fraternity mourns Dr Barungi

OBITUARY

KAMPALA- Tributes have been paid to Dr Thaddeus Barungi, a retired Commissioner of Police who died on Sunday (March 17) at the age of 68. The tributes were delivered during a requiem mass at St Andrew Kaggwa Catholic Church, Kigoowa, on Tuesday (March 19).

In his message that was delivered by AIGP Andrew Sorowen, the Inspector General of Police, Martin Okoth described Barungi as an experienced and disciplined physician, who made a tremendous contribution to the development of the AIDS programme and general health services of the Police.

AIGP Andrew Sorowen lays a wreath on the casket containing Dr Barungi's remains

 
"He joined the Police as a Cadet Officer in 1987. He then rose through the ranks and became a Police Commissioner. He served the Police and all Ugandans with total dedication. He was a very resourceful officer. We shall miss his experience and guidance."

Rev Fr Paulino Mondo, a brother to Dr Barungi, described him as a superb medic, who fully observed the ethics of the medical profession.

Dr Jane Kengeya delivers Dr Barungi's eulogy on behalf of the deceased's cohorts

 
"He was one of the best surgeons in the country. He was also a patriot. He could have gone to the US, or UK, to earn lucratively. He nonetheless opted to remain here. He loved Uganda and wanted to see it develop. He was also a gifted mentor, who gave me moral and religious guidance. Without him, I would probably not have become a priest. He was thus my first rector."

Victoria Ariho, a daughter, also spoke highly of her dad. "He was the best dad. He lavished us with rib-cracking jokes all the time. His jokes were nonetheless full of wisdom. As we laughed, we also drew lessons from the funny stories."

Jackson Karyarugokwe, who spoke on behalf of the Uganda Golf Club, described Dr Barungi as a friendly member and leader of the club. "He was passionate about the game of golf. He also loved soccer. He supported Arsenal with all his heart."

Dr Jane Kengeya Kayondo, who spoke on behalf of the medical contemporaries, promised to promote the values of hard work, commitment and selfless service, which the deceased medic demonstrated during his life.

A cross-section of mourners during Dr Barungi's funeral mass

 
Dr Obuku Ekwaro from the Uganda Medical Association asked the Police to consider recruiting more medics in the profession as a strategy to boost the delivery of medical services to the public.

Dr Nathan Kenya-Mugisha called Dr Barungi a down-to-earth medic and Police officer, who always cherished truth and transparency.

The Deputy Spokesperson of Police, Pauline Namaye said Dr Barungi was a reliable officer, who was always there for the police, his family and his community.

Victoria Ariho delivers her father's eulogy on behalf of her siblings. Right is the Deputy Police Spokesperson, Pauline Namaye

 
Dr Barungi's requiem mass was presided over by Fr Peter Lugobe, assisted by Fr Paulino Mondo. It was graced by hundreds of mourners, who included high-ranking officers from the Police and U PDF.

Dr Barungi will be buried at his ancestral home at Nyamwegabira, Kihihi, in Kanungu, on Thursday (March 21).

Fr Paulino Mondo eulogizes his brother, Dr Thaddeus Barungi during the requiem mass

 
Factifile

Dr Thadeus Barungi was born on February 28, 1951 at Mpuungu, in Kabale District.

He attended Butobere SSS, Makerere College School, and Makerere University Medical School (1973-78). He worked as Medical Superintendent of Kiboga Hospital (1978-79). Subsequently, he joined the Police in 1987.

Dr Barungi belonged to several associations which included Uganda Medical Association and Uganda Golf Club, among others. He was also Chairman of the Board of St Pius SS, Nyamwegabira. He is survived by a wife, Joyce Barungi Nabawanuka and children.

Pallbearers rolling the casket containing the remains of Dr Barungi