The Luweero District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Richard Bwabye Ntulume, 51, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kaguggo Village, Luweero Subcounty, Luweero District, following his passing on Friday evening, November 21, at Mulago National Referral Hospital.
Bwabye had been battling health complications, including a spinal swelling that affected his mobility, and was later diagnosed with leukemia.
Born in 1974, he was appointed Deputy RDC by the President in 2014 and served in several districts, including Mukono, Kira, Lubaga, Lwengo, and Kalungu.
He was promoted to full RDC in 2022 and posted to his home district of Luweero, where he served until his death.
The funeral service, led by Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Rt Rev Samuel Kazimba Mugalu, urged mourners to uphold spiritual and moral values amidst societal pressures, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
“In this period of elections, people have started turning against their friends because of money,” Archbishop Kazimba cautioned.
“You came with nothing and you will return to your God with nothing. Stop oppressing others by taking their property, especially land.”
Representing the Office of the President, Rtd. Maj. Martha Asiimwe delivered a message from Secretary Hajj Yunus Kakande, lauding Bwabye for his patriotism, loyalty, and exceptional public service.
“We have lost a dedicated patriot, loyal and hardworking officer who served his country with exceptional commitment, humility and professionalism,” the message read.
NRM Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja, a longtime friend since Bwabye’s early political career as a youth representative, praised his transformative leadership.
“Bwabye is irreplaceable. He upheld unity in Luweero regardless of political ideologies. He was reliable, dependable, collected, and composed, especially in difficult situations,” Namayanja said.
She added that his interventions significantly reduced cases of land wrangles in the district during his tenure.
Speaking on behalf of the family, his first-born daughter Jackline Nandyose expressed gratitude to all who supported them during his illness and after his passing.
“Our family has lost a pillar we will never replace, but the Lord is our Shepherd; he will see us through,” she said.
Bwabye’s passing leaves a deep void in Luweero, where he is remembered as a unifying leader, problem-solver, and humble public servant dedicated to improving the lives of the people he served.