Kagadi District is in mourning following the death of Bartholomew Bukenya, the District Education Officer (DEO), who passed away this morning at Three Rivers Cancer Centre Hospital in Kampala after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. He was 59 years old.
Bukenya’s passing has sparked an outpouring of grief from educators, technocrats, sports enthusiasts, and political leaders, many of whom took to social media to express their sorrow. He was widely remembered as a multi-talented, passionate, and self-driven educationist whose impact extended far beyond his official duties.
Despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals, Bukenya’s health had deteriorated in recent months, ultimately leading to his death. According to Mbabazi Beatrice, the Senior Education Officer for Kagadi, funeral arrangements are underway.
Bukenya’s body will be transported back to Kagadi on Thursday, April 10, 2025, where it will be received at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish for a prayer service at 12:00 PM.
A requiem mass will be held on Friday, April 11, and on Saturday morning, the district will hold an extraordinary council meeting to pay final respects and honor his legacy of transforming education in the district.
The burial will take place on Saturday at his home in Nyaruziba Cell, Kiraba Ward, Kagadi Town Council.
Mbabazi described Bukenya as an unmatched and self-motivated leader, dedicated to improving the education sector.
Vincent Kyaligonza, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Kagadi, also paid tribute to Bukenya, calling him a dedicated civil servant whose loss will be felt by many.
Kyaligonza shared that Bukenya was set to retire early in July 2025.
Solomon Musinguzi, Chairperson of the Uganda National Teachers’ Union (UNATU) Kagadi Branch, has called on teachers throughout the district to come together and pay their respects.
Babwetera Michael, the late Bukenya’s brother, expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing that his brother’s contributions to both the family and the community would be profoundly missed.
Bukenya’s legacy as a transformative figure in Kagadi’s education sector will continue to inspire those who worked alongside him.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
