President Yoweri Museveni has praised the former Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi for being incorruptible and serving his country with due diligence throughout his life.
Museveni said in condolence message delivered by his vice, Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi at Namirembe cathedral where mourners convened to pray for the late academician.
Prof. Nsibambi died on Tuesday last week at his home in Bulange Mengo, Rubaga division, moments after he called his assistants to help him as he wanted to easy himself. According to Henry Dungu who works at Uganda Cancer Institute, Nsibambi died of a blood clot that moved into his lungs.
“I met Nsibambi at early age, he was a committed man who served in Mengo, Makerere University and government. He had his country at heart, incorruptible throughout his life and his name will go down in history,” he said in a statement.
Adding “Prof Nsibambi was 78 years but still youthful, but God decided that we shall all die. We shall miss him, May his soul rest in peace,” he said adding that the late will be accorded a state burial over his contribution to the development of his nation and 15 gun salutes.
In his message, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, implored his subjects to take Nsibambi as an example in all aspects especially at time keeping. He left a legacy in education and political sectors where he served with due diligence and rose through ranks to prime minister and chancellor of Makerere University.
“I thank him for accepting to take responsibility and negotiate with central government for the return of kingdom property and presenting critical issues for the development of the kingdom.” said in a statement read by Apolo Makubuya, Kabaka’s special advisor.
In his teachings derived from John 14:1-3, the Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, said Prof Nsibambi has run and finished his race. He described him as an intelligent, selfless man who has gone down in history without any wrong doing written on his name.
He called on mourners to surround themselves with good people and work for truth and truth will set them free just as Nsibambi was. He never misused government funds despite holding influential positions in government.
His wife, Esther Nsibambi, applauded church of Uganda, president Museveni, public service, Makerere University, government for availing medical services to her husband throughout his life and her step daughter for simplifying her work and marriage.
“I have lost a friend, I applaud him for loving me. I remember when he praised me whenever he wrote letters to other people saying, my wife Esther and I, we invite you… My wife Esther and I, we want you to help us…….. Nsibambi was a real man. The rest of you men embark on loving your wives because it is the greatest investment for them to deliver in everything for the development of their families,” She said in agonizing voice.
“I have never heard and bad record written against my husband’s name, this puts him on the list of most excellent persons who have diligently served this country.”
Yusuf Kibuuka an in-law who gave away Esther 16 years ago, said the height of a tree is measured when it falls down, “his height has really been measured by what you all have talked about him,”
“He lived like a rain bow each color represented fruits he bared. He was incorrupt, dear mourners one million shillings earned is far better than billions. Am sure he has gone to heaven and one day we shall meet. Rest in peace,” he said.
