President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has granted an official burial to the late former Minister of Education and Sports and Woman Member of Parliament for Mpigi District, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire in recognition of her exceptional service to Uganda.
The announcement was made by the Minister in Charge of the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, following Bitamazire’s death last week via X (formerly Twitter).
“I wish to inform you that His Excellency the President has granted an official burial to the fallen former Minister of Education and Sports and Woman MP Mpigi District, Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, who passed on last week,” Babalanda said in a statement.
She added that the National Organising Committee is working closely with the family to organize a befitting sendoff for the veteran leader, scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Butambala District.
According to the statement, the government’s decision reflects Bitamazire’s long and distinguished contribution to public service and national development.
“The National Organising Committee is liaising with the family of the deceased in organising a befitting sendoff for the former distinguished daughter of Uganda,” Babalanda said, extending condolences to the family, the people of Butambala, and the country at large.
Namirembe Bitamazire passed away at the age of 84. While her family confirmed her death, they did not publicly disclose the specific cause and noted only that she had been unwell.
Born on July 17, 1941, in Butambala, Central Uganda, Bitamazire built her career around transforming education in the country. She trained as a teacher and later rose through the ranks of the education sector, becoming the first African headteacher of Tororo Girls School. Her academic background included studies at Makerere University, where she earned qualifications that shaped her lifelong commitment to education policy and administration.
Her public service career spanned several decades and reflected a rare depth of experience across education and public administration. She served as Director at the East African Harbours Corporation between 1971 and 1973 before becoming a Senior Education Officer in the Ministry of Education from 1974 to 1979. She first served as Minister of Education from 1979 to 1980 and later returned to the same portfolio from 2005 to 2011. Between 1981 and 1996, she was Deputy Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission, a role in which she oversaw the professional development and management of teachers nationwide. She also served as State Minister for Education from 1999 to 2005 and represented Mpigi District as Woman Member of Parliament from 2001 to 2011. After leaving elective politics, she continued to serve the country as Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute.
Bitamazire is especially remembered for her role in championing Universal Primary Education, a policy that transformed access to schooling across Uganda. Her dedication to expanding education opportunities for all children earned her the affectionate title “Mama UPE,” a name that became synonymous with education reform and social progress.
She also represented Uganda on international platforms and remained an influential voice in education and public policy long after leaving elective office.
