By Diana N. Kintu
Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, Announcing the government’s decision accorded an official burial in recognition of his distinguished contribution Kosia Mudabi Ngirisi
Bundibugyo, Uganda | July 17, 2026
The Government of Uganda has accorded an official burial to former Member of Parliament Hon. Kosia Mudabi Ngirisi, recognising his decades of service to the country as a legislator, local government leader, civil servant and community elder.
Hon. Ngirisi, who represented North West Tooro Constituency in Uganda’s Second Parliament between 1962 and 1971, passed away on July 10, 2026, at Buhinga Hospital in Fort Portal City. He was 93.
Announcing the government’s decision, the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed that the late leader be accorded an official burial in recognition of his distinguished contribution to Uganda’s political and public service history.
“The Government of Uganda sincerely commiserates with the bereaved family, the people of the Rwenzori Sub-region and all Ugandans upon the loss of an illustrious leader and dedicated citizen,” Hon. Babalanda said.
Born on March 15, 1933, in Hakitengya Parish, Tokwe Sub-county in present-day Bundibugyo District, Hon. Ngirisi dedicated much of his life to public service.
After completing his education, including a Diploma in Cooperatives from Nsamizi Training Institute in 1958, he began his career as a Cooperative Assistant before entering elective politics.
He was elected to Parliament in 1962, where he served until 1971 when Parliament was dissolved following the military coup that brought Idi Amin to power.
Even after leaving Parliament, Hon. Ngirisi remained active in public service. He worked as a Tax Officer in Bundibugyo District before serving in several local government leadership positions, including LC IV Chairperson for Bwamba County, LC III Chairperson, LC II Chairperson and LC I Chairperson. He also served on the Bundibugyo District Service Commission.
Beyond government, he was widely respected as a founding member of the Bwamba Bwabwisi Elders’ Association and a senior member of the Rwenzori Diocese Synod, where he contributed to community development and church leadership.
Hon. Babalanda described the late leader as a man remembered for integrity, patriotism and dedication to national service.
“He will be deeply missed not only by those who knew him, worked with him and were led by him, but also by generations of Ugandans who drew inspiration from his exemplary leadership and political career,” she said.
The official burial programme included a vigil at Hakitengya Church of Uganda in Tokwe Sub-county before funeral prayers and burial at his ancestral home in Bundibugyo District.
Government officials, family members, political leaders, religious leaders and residents gathered to pay their final respects to a man whose public service spanned more than four decades.
As Uganda bids farewell to Hon. Kosia Mudabi Ngirisi, his legacy lives on through the generations he served and the institutions he helped build during the country’s formative years.