Fare thee well Prof. Apolo Nsibambi (1940-2019)
Prof. Apolo Nsibambi was on Tuesday 28th May 2019 announced dead. He died at his home in Lunguja in Rubaga Division.
He was aged 78.
“It’s sad when someone you know becomes someone you knew.” Henry Rollins was quoted saying. Rollins’ quote best describes Prof. Nsibambi’s name whose dedicated service in the education sector can hardly be forgotten.
Prof. Nsibambi was the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor of Makerere University, the oldest public university in Uganda. He served in this capacity from October 2003 to October 2007.
He took over from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the president of the Republic of Uganda who is the longest serving Chancellor of Makerere University (1986 to 2002).
He taught at Makerere University during the 1960s and thereafter served as the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences from 1978 until 1983 and from 1985 until 1987.
He was appointed Head of the Department of Political Science at Makerere University in 1987, a position he held until 1990.
Prof. Nsibambi was Director of the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) from 1994 to 1996.
Between 1996 and 1998, he served as Minister of Public Service in the Uganda Cabinet.
In 1998 he was appointed Minister of Education and Sports until 1999 when he was appointed Prime Minister of Uganda and Leader of Government Business (5th April 1999 to 24th May 2011). He was the longest serving Prime Minister of Uganda.
Prof. Nsibambi took over from Kintu Musoke in 1999 and was succeeded by Amama Mbabazi in 2011.
Background and Education
Apolo Nsibambi was born on 25 October 1940. He was the son of Simeon Nsibambi, who together with John E. Church led the Balokole or the “East African Revival” movement.
Nsibambi attended King’s College Budo for his high school education. He held a Bachelor of Science degree in economics, with honors, from Makerere University under London University.
He also held a Master of Arts degree in political science from the University of Chicago in the United States.
His Doctor of Philosophy degree was obtained from the University of Nairobi.
He married his wife, Esther, in March 2003 after the death of his first wife, Rhoda, in December 2001. He was the father of four daughters, and the grandfather of at least five grandchildren.
He was an Anglican.
Below are some of the messages people are posting on social media about Prof. Apolo Nsibambi.
VIDEO: The country has been engulfed by the death of the Former Prime Minister of Uganda; Prof Apollo Nsibambi.
The veteran politician and academician is said to have died at his home in Lunguja, a Kampala suburb. #NBSLiveAt9 #NBSUpdates pic.twitter.com/mppMyachf6— NBS Television (@nbstv) May 28, 2019
It is quite sad the news of the untimely death of Prof. Apollo Nsibambi. What a stateman we have lost. You made your mark serving our country and you were an inspiration and mentor to so many young people. May the soul of the departed rest in Peace…😭😭 pic.twitter.com/4wA87mDui1
— Adeke Anna Ebaju (@AdekeAnna) May 28, 2019
I am saddened by the passing of our former Prime Minister Prof. Apollo Nsibambi. Prof. Nsibambi was a revered academic, who for people from my generation was almost legendary. We loved his colourful oratory and used his words e.g. ‘Lugubrious’ as often as we could. Rest in Peace.
— Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) May 29, 2019
It’s rare for an individual that served in an African government up 2 the level of prime minister to die and find no one celebrating his death. The mourning of the late Prof. Apollo Nsibambi appears unanimous. It is possible 2 be a public servant without a zero @GovUganda @nbstv pic.twitter.com/YFHmWc6vA7
— Habib Mboowa (@HabibMboowa1) May 29, 2019
Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, 2 May 2003: It is portentous that we should convey our condolences to the bereaved. The late Hon. Basoga Nsandhu was a pugnacious and imaginative campaigner, a fighter for the Movement and his contribution was greatly appreciated. #RIPNsibambi pic.twitter.com/ss6tlKpJfb
— Parliament of Uganda (@Parliament_Ug) May 29, 2019
Like many Ugandans from my generation, I first met Prof. Apollo Nsibambi on TV- debating Prof. Samwiri Karugire. The two of them set very high standards of public discourse. We didn’t understand everything they said, but they weren’t inaccessible.
— Alan Kasujja (@kasujja) May 28, 2019
Very sad indeed. He was a Calm and knowledgeable leader who guided well the business of government in @Parliament_Ug . May the almighty God comfort his family. @RuhakanaR #RIPNsibambi https://t.co/paD1Avc9NO
— Frank K Tumwebaze,MP : Psalms 124 : 1-8 (@FrankTumwebazek) May 28, 2019
As the 85th Guild we mourn the demise of Prof.Apollo Nsibambi, former Chancellor of the Great Makerere University. We urge the University community to emmulate the life of the fallen Academician. We pray that God strengthens his family in these trying moments#RIPNsibambi pic.twitter.com/m4c98Yn8fn
— Kateregga Julius🇺🇬 (@KatereggaKj) May 29, 2019
Very sad indeed. He was a Calm and knowledgeable leader who guided well the business of government in @Parliament_Ug . May the almighty God comfort his family. @RuhakanaR #RIPNsibambi https://t.co/paD1Avc9NO
— Frank K Tumwebaze,MP : Psalms 124 : 1-8 (@FrankTumwebazek) May 28, 2019
