MPs say what they remember about Nsibambi

At exactly 10:00am, the casket containing the remains of the late Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, a man known for keeping time, was rolled into the parliamentary foyer.

The body was received by the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga, 2nd Deputy Prime Minister Kirunda Kivejinja, Clerk to Parliament Jane Kibirige, NRM secretary General Kasule Lumumba and many other ministers and MPs.

His wife Ester Nsibambi, the children and other relatives slowly followed behind the casket as the Police Band played "It Is Well with My Soul", a hymn composed by Philip Bliss.

Several former Ministers, MPs and Government officials flocked Parliament to pay their last respect to Uganda's longest Prime Minister.

 Former minister Miria Matembe signing in the condolence book at Parliament. Photos by Kennedy Oryema

Recording of his laughter, jokes and speeches in Parliament broadcast through Parliament screens constantly reminded the mourners of life in Parliament.

Nsibambi, who served as a leader of government business died on Tuesday at his home in Lungujja, Mengo at the age of 78. He will be buried on Tuesday next week.

Those who worked with him either in Cabinet, Parliament and Makerere University eulogized him as an instrumental figure who was incorruptible, open minded government official who spoke his mind no matter what.

They also said he was instrumental in harmonization of salaries at Makerere University, restoration of kingdoms and bridging the gap between war veterans and the academia.

Former Vice President Specioza Wandera Kazibwe described the late Nsibambi as an open minded person who contributed greatly to the growth of the country.

Kazibwe said she first got to know the late Nsibambi in 1970s while a student leader at Makerere University.

"By the time, he joined government, I already knew him. He was a very open minded person. He would say what he believed no matter what. In a Cabinet, as a Vice President, I had a very resourceful person to rely since I was a surgeon and he was an administrator," Kazibwe remembered.

Kazibwe thanked the NRM Party for according him an opportunity to serve the country and hoped that many leaders will emulate his example and serve the country unselfishly.

Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera former Chancellor of Makerere University, described the late Nsibambi as an incorruptible person who never compromised on his principals.

"For years I worked with him, I never heard that he got money from anybody for any favors. This is a lesson to Ugandans that you can serve your country diligently without involving yourself in any malpractices. Secondly, he followed all the rules and regulations. You would never find him off the law," he said.

Former minister of Information and Technology Communication Aggrey Owori said the Late Nsibambi was a man of integrity, who never depended on anyone's support to lead.

"He was not afraid to speak his mind, unfortunately some of us think we should please the government or the electorate but Apollo was different.  That explains why he was the longest serving Prime Minister," he said.

Eng Badru Kiggundu remembered the late as a unique, super leader, father, reliable and exemplary leader. "I hope many will learn from his legacy," he said.

Augustine Ruzindana, said, "He did his part exceptionally well and all public officers and politicians should emulate him."