The body of the long-serving senior economist and Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Keith Muhakanizi, was laid to rest on Sunday, April 23rd, at his residential home in Lwamayongo Village, Kabula, in Lyantonde District.
At the burial attended by several top dignitaries, relatives, friends, and his family, the government accorded him the 11-gun salute as his casket was lowered into the grave in the afternoon.
Muhakanizi breathed his last on April 13 from Milan, Italy, where he had been receiving treatment while battling cancer of the breast.
The clergy, led by West Buganda and Diocesan Bishop Henry Katumba and his Kigezi North counterpart, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe, led the prayers for the repose of his soul.
Although his final send-off was interrupted by a heavy rainstorm that lasted over three hours, those who managed to speak showered him with praise during his time of service. Speaker after speaker eulogized the late Muhakanizi as an intelligent, committed, respectful, loving, amiable, and gentle soul who listened to people.
Mr. Ben Kavuya, a longtime friend of the deceased, described him as a perfectionist and someone who was always punctual.
“You are celebrating the life of an accomplished human being who was time conscious. He has died without a stain of corruption,” said Mr. Kavuya.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja represented the government as the chief mourner and described the deceased as pivotal in transforming Uganda’s economy. He said the country has lost a gallant, patriotic, and knowledgeable citizen.
Many other prominent people heaped loads of praise on the deceased for his determination to serve his country, especially in the planning and economic development sector, which he had been serving in since 1982.
“He was a distinguished civil servant who worked tirelessly to reform our economy in the 1990s. His understanding of modern economic policies endeared him to both the national and international communities. He will forever be remembered for his role in controlling inflation, foreign exchange control, the privatization of non-performing parastatals, and public finance management systems. He was transparent, open, direct, decisive, and never feared to speak his mind,” said Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
