Uganda: Education fraternity mourns ex-minister Bitamazire

The education fraternity is mourning the death of former Education Minister Geraldine Bitamazire. The death of Bitamazire, 81, which Occurred yesterday, was confirmed by family members and staff of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), where she last served as Chancellor three years ago, before hanging up her boots.

'She served the education sector all her working life and at every level. She was the head teacher of Tororo Girls and served as Minister of Education three times," Dr Turyagyenda said.

"She was also instrumental in implementing UPE [Universal Primary Education] and USE [Universal Secondary Education]. The one statement she always made was, 'we want children to access quality education, not just education," she added.

Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Makerere University vice chancellor, told Daily Monitor that the news of Bitamazire's passing was received with deep grief.

"Geraldine Bitamazire played a major role in reviving Uganda's education systems. She was also instrumental in the recovery of Makerere University after the years of distress in the 70s and 80s," Prof Nawangwe said. "She helped to resolve contentious issues between the staff of the university and the government.

We will remember her as a mother and counsellor for education in Uganda," he added. Prof Mukadasi Buyinza, the academic registrar of Makerere University, echoed the sentiment, saying the institution holds Bitamazire in high regard.

"In her office as minister, higher education benefited immensely from her professional oversight, which was internationally recognised. She provided policy statements and promoted institutional growth. Makerere University also reaped the fruits of her leadership," Prof Mukadasi said.

Peter Kibazo, the head of communications at UMI, noted that although her role as chancellor was largely ceremonial, they were fortunate to be guided by an expert.

"The deceased served the education sector all her life. The last time I spoke to her, she told me she had served at Gayaza High School before being appointed Inspector of Schools during Amin's regime," Mr Kibazo said.

"After the government changed, she was appointed Minister of Education. At UMI, we are proud to have been led by someone who truly understood education," he added. tamazire's passing was received with deep grief.