President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed that the former Minister of Education and Sports, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, be accorded an official burial in recognition of her distinguished service to the nation.
The announcement follows the passing of the veteran educator and politician, who is widely celebrated as one of the pillars of Uganda’s modern education system.
A Legacy Defined by Education
Namirembe Bitamazire’s career was defined by her commitment to expanding access to learning. She is most notably remembered for:
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Universal Primary Education (UPE): Serving as the Minister of Education during the critical years of UPE implementation, ensuring millions of Ugandan children gained access to free primary schooling.
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Women’s Empowerment: As a female trailblazer in the Cabinet, she served as a role model for women in leadership and professional sectors.
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Long-standing Service: Beyond her ministerial roles, she served as a Member of Parliament for Mpigi District and later as the Chancellor of Uganda Management Institute (UMI).
Recognition of Distinguished Service
An official burial in Uganda is a high-level honor reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the country. This status means the government will take charge of the funeral arrangements, providing a state-sanctioned send-off that reflects her status as a national icon.
President Museveni, in his tribute, noted that Bitamazire was a dedicated cadre whose integrity and hard work helped transform the human capital of Uganda.
Final Send-off
Detailed funeral arrangements and the burial schedule are expected to be released by the Ministry of Education and the National Organizing Committee. Mourners from across the political spectrum and the education fraternity have already begun paying tribute to a woman many fondly refer to as “Mama Education.”
Bitamazire’s passing marks the end of an era for a generation of policymakers who shaped the post-1986 educational landscape of Uganda.
