By Diana N. Kintu
Uganda is mourning the death of Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, a veteran educationist, legislator and former Cabinet minister whose lifelong service left an indelible mark on the country’s education sector and the advancement of women in leadership. Her passing has drawn tributes from across the political divide, reflecting her influence on national development over several decades.
Born on 17 July 1941, Hon. Bitamazire devoted much of her life to public service, with a particular focus on education as a driver of social transformation and national progress. Her career spanned academia, parliamentary leadership and ministerial service, making her one of Uganda’s most respected female public figures.
Hon. Bitamazire served as Minister of Education during two pivotal periods in the country’s history. Her first tenure, from 1979 to 1980, came at a time when Uganda was emerging from political turmoil and seeking to rebuild key institutions. She returned to the same docket from 2005 to 2011, during which she championed reforms aimed at expanding access to education, strengthening institutional standards and aligning the sector with national development priorities.
During her time in office, she consistently advocated for education as a cornerstone of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation. Her leadership focused on increasing opportunities for young Ugandans, particularly girls, and ensuring that education policy remained responsive to the country’s changing needs. Colleagues recall her as a firm yet thoughtful leader who prioritised long-term impact over short-term gains.
Beyond her ministerial responsibilities, Hon. Bitamazire served as Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute (UMI), one of the country’s leading centres for public administration and management training. In this role, she oversaw the expansion of professional development programmes aimed at equipping public servants with the skills needed for effective governance. Her stewardship at UMI reinforced the link between education, leadership and public sector efficiency.
Hon. Bitamazire also made a significant contribution to Uganda’s legislative landscape as the Woman Member of Parliament for Mpigi District. In Parliament, she emerged as a strong advocate for women’s participation in politics and decision-making, consistently using her platform to promote gender equality and inclusive governance. Her presence in the House served as an inspiration to many women aspiring to leadership roles in a traditionally male-dominated political environment.
Tributes have continued to pour in from senior government officials and colleagues who worked closely with her. Leaders described her as a principled public servant who “led with wisdom, courage and unwavering conviction”. The Speaker of Parliament, the Prime Minister and the Minister for the Presidency each praised her dedication to national service and her role in mentoring younger leaders.
Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire was laid to rest in Butambala District on 21 January 2026. The burial was attended by family members, government officials, legislators and members of the public, who gathered not only to mourn her passing but also to celebrate a life defined by service and commitment to national development.
As Uganda reflects on her legacy, Hon. Bitamazire will be remembered as a trailblazer whose contributions continue to resonate in classrooms, public institutions and the ongoing struggle for women’s empowerment. Her life’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and principled leadership in shaping the nation’s future.