BUTAMBALA: President Yoweri Museveni has saluted the former Education and Sports Minister Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire for her outstanding contribution towards the development of Uganda’s human resources.
During her tenure as Minister of Education and Sports, Bitamazire oversaw the critical phase of rolling-out Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education Programmes.
According to President Museveni, these free education programmes have been key in expanding access to education, especially for the poor, in both urban and rural areas.
‘’I, therefore, salute Hon. Bitamazire for her commendable contribution to the introduction and successful implementation of progressive and pro-people education policies,’’ president Museveni said.
He further told hundreds of mourners that responsible leadership is about correct diagnosis of the problems affecting your people; and prescribing the right cure for them. ‘’The Country has lost a greater leader, whose great talents and experience will be dearly missed,’’ the president said.
He made the remarks in a condolence message delivered for him by the Vice President and Woman MP Elect for Katakwi district, Jessica Alupo at the burial of the fallen educationist in Kibugga village, Butambala district today, January 21, 2026.
Museveni further noted that it was with profound sadness that Maama Janet and himself received the news of the passing on of Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, former Minister of Education and Sports.
‘’On behalf of the Government, on behalf of the NRM Party; and on my own behalf, I wish to extend heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family and all Ugandans,’’ he stated, adding that her death has robbed the Country of an outstanding educationist, who dedicated her life to the development of Uganda’s human resources.
President Museveni said that in this hour of grief, his prayers and thoughts are with the family of the late Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire and asked the children to take inspiration from the fact that Bitamazire’s life was full of purpose and meaning.
‘’All people die in the end. There is no other destination. The difference is that some die after a dishonorable or stale life. The late Hon. Bitamazire is not with us today. She departed from us after distinguished service to Uganda and to the international community,’’ he said.
Museveni asked all of those who associated with Bitamazire to be proud of her memory saying the sense of bereavement which they feel now, should not diminish this.
Various individuals, companies, associations, educational institutions and government departments sent moving condolence messages, all highlighting and appreciating the achievements of Bitamazire and her contribution to the education sector and the country.
The office of the president sent a special condolence message, with sh50m in addition to the sh20m from President Museveni, which was physically delivered by the vice president at the burial ceremony today.
VP Alupo, who took over office from Bitamazire as Education and Sports minister, paid glowing tribute to the late describing her as a lover of people. ‘’She was committed to advocating for the rights of the girl child and women across the country,’’.
She further said Bitamazire was very instrumental in guiding her in all spheres of life. ‘’I had a cordial relationship with her and she was a very frank person,’’ she said.
Alupo told mourners that Bitamazire believed in policy and followed procedure to the dot. ‘’She was a spiritual person, who always reminded me to ensure I serve the Lord, Alupo said.
She emphasised that it was because of Bitamazire’s tremendous achievements and outstanding contribution to humanity that President Museveni accorded her an Official Burial yesterday during the Cabinet Meeting.
She noted that during her time as minister, there were several reforms in education and she will forever be remembered for them.
The Acting Commissioner for Private Schools and Institutions said Bitamazire is one of the people who built the education we now celebrate. ‘’As a sector, we have lost not just a great teacher, but a mother who loved children and the teaching profession,’’ she said.
CHILDREN
Speaking on behalf of the children, Prof. Kyamanywa described his mother as an exemplary parent who had a unique relationship with each of her children. ‘’She guided us well, but it was always tough love. She taught us the value of hard-work and we pray that God grants her an eternal rest and we continue learning from her,’’ he said.
Bitamazire, acknowledged as one of Uganda’s most accomplished educationists, passed away last Wednesday, January 14. She succumbed to heart failure at International Hospital Kampala.
BRIEF BACKGROUND
She was born on July 17, 1941. She graduated with a diploma in education from Makerere University in 1964. She later graduated with a bachelor of Arts degree in 1967, a certificate in education and administration in 1971 and a master’s degree in education in 1987. She got married at 31, had seven children, but continued to build her career.
CAREER
She served as director of East African Railways and Harbours (1971-1973), before moving to Tororo Girls School as the first Ugandan headteacher (1971-1974)
When she left Tororo Girls School, she was appointed a senior education officer (1974-1979) and later minister of education (1979-1980).
After a one-year stint in Cabinet, she was then appointed deputy chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (1981-1996) before bouncing back as the primary education state minister in 1999.
In 2001, she contested for the Mpigi District Woman MP election and served until 2011. In July 2013, Bitamazire was appointed Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI) by President Museveni, a position she held until 2021. She was laid to rest in Kibugga village, Butambala district today January 21, 2026.
