Keith Muhakanizi, the former Secretary to the Treasury, was laid to rest on Sunday in a ceremony that included an 11-gun salute.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Keith Muhakanizi, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, was laid to rest yesterday in Lwamayongo Village, his country home.
Muhakanizi, who passed away on April 13 while receiving treatment in Milan, Italy, was honoured with a funeral service attended by his wife, children, and other mourners.
In Lwamayongo Village, the country home of the late Keith Muhakanizi, a funeral service was held yesterday to give the long-serving civil servant a befitting send-off. Muhakanizi, who was an economist, passed away on April 13 in Milan, Italy, where he had been flown for treatment.
Funeral proceedings
During the service, the casket of Muhakanizi, draped in national colours, was accorded an 11-gun salute before being lowered into the grave in the afternoon. The clergy, led by West Buganda and Diocesan Bishop Henry Katumba and his Kigezi North counterpart Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe, prayed for the repose of his soul.
However, the sombre send-off was interrupted by a heavy downpour that lasted for three hours.
Muhakanizi’s legacy
Muhakanizi, an economist and long-serving civil servant, began his career in the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development in 1982 as an economist in the Macro Economic Planning Division.
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He served in various capacities in the same ministry until 2021 as The Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury.
His family and friends described him as respectful, loving, and amiable, and a gentle soul who listened to people, especially the elders.
According to his brother, Denis Kajwengye, his brother was a disciplinarian and dependable person, attributes he acquired from evangelism that they grew up with in their home in Rukungiri.
Muhakanizi’s contribution to Uganda
Many speakers, including the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, applauded Muhakanizi’s role in the planning and economic development of the country.
Museveni said Muhakanizi was instrumental in expanding and diversifying the economy through his contribution to several aspects of Uganda’s economic and financial management reforms, including liberalisation and privatisation of the economy, the elimination of unnecessary controls and distortions, and public debt management.
Muhakanizi’s legacy, he added, will never die.
In her speech, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, the Prime Minister, read a message from President Museveni, who also commended Muhakanizi’s contribution to the construction of health centres and schools.
“Mr Muhakanizi particularly contributed to several aspects of Uganda’s economic and financial management reforms like liberalisation and privatisation of the economy to eliminate unnecessary controls and distortions, public debt management and his legacy will never die,” Museveni said.
Ms Janet Muhakanizi, the wife of the deceased, thanked President Museveni for entrusting her husband with various responsibilities and described her husband as committed to serving his country.
Mourners described Muhakanizi as a hardworking and principled public servant who always put the interests of the country first. They also praised his leadership skills and his ability to work effectively with colleagues.
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