Relatives, friends and leaders on Tuesday gathered at Rubaga Cathedral to pray for and celebrate the life of the late Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, a former Minister of Education and Woman Member of Parliament for Mpigi District.
The Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, led the requiem Mass, during which he described Bitamazire as a disciplined and principled leader who served with integrity.
Archbishop Kasujja said the late minister was a role model of responsibility, noting that her strong Catholic faith guided her public service. He said her life was a testament to the many people she worked with and inspired.
Family members described Bitamazire as principled, God-fearing and deeply committed to honesty and service.
“Honourable Bitamazire, or Maama UPE as she was commonly known, was more than a mother, aunt, grandmother or great-grandmother. She was a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless individuals. We will miss her,” said her son, Prof Patrick Kyamanywa.
Speaking with a tearful voice, Prof Kyamanywa thanked his late mother for her unwavering love and support, saying her spirit would continue to guide the family.
“When you meet the Almighty God, may you proudly recite the words of Apostle Paul: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race,’” he said.
In a message delivered on behalf of the State Minister for Education and Sports (Primary Education), Joyce Moriku Kaducu, State Minister for Education JC Muyingo said Bitamazire played a key role in driving reforms in Uganda’s education sector.
The message was delivered by the Commissioner for Basic Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Crofast Mugenyi, who noted that Bitamazire was instrumental in championing the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) during her tenure as Minister of State for Primary Education.
“In a special way, we recognise Hon Bitamazire for her commitment to expanding access to education and strengthening primary education in the country,” the message read.
Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire was born in 1941 and devoted much of her life to education and public service until her retirement.
She will be laid to rest in Butambala District on Wednesday.