KAMPALA — Outgoing Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda has joined other leaders in mourning the demise of the former Minister of State for Privatization Manzi Tumubweinee.
Tumubweinee who also represented Rukiga County in Parliament succumbed to Covid-19 on Friday at around 10:00 PM at Case Clinic in Kampala where he has been admitted.
His death was confirmed by the daughter, Peace Musimenta.
Dr. Rugunda described Tumubweine as a leader of integrity who served the government and the people of Rukiga with distinction.
“I have recieved very sad news of the death of Hon Manzi Tumubweinee, a comrade and leader of integrity who has served Uganda with distinction in many capacities.
My thoughts are with his family during this difficult period of grief. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” Dr. Rugunda wrote.
Tumubweine collapsed during the 5th Graduation Ceremony at Kabale University on May 28th and was rushed to Kabale regional referral hospital.
Tumubweine was later referred to Case Clinic in Kampala for better health management until Friday night when he breathed last.
Tumubweine was 1997, appointed Minister of State for trade, and in 1998, Minister of State for privatization.
He aserved as MP Rukiga County from 1996 until 2001, when he was defeated by FDC’s Jack Sabitti.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the chairperson of the National Gaming Board, Chairperson of Kabale University Council, and Lecturer at Makerere University.
He was also the Director of Kenlloyd Logistics Company Limited.
He also served as the Director of Industry Affairs and Content (Economic Affairs) at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
He held a PhD in Economics from the University of Texas at Dallas, awarded in 2009.
Meanwhile, Coronavirus cases in Uganda have spiked amid the country’s worst outbreak since the start of the pandemic.
Since last week, positive cases have increased by over 400% — reaching all-time highs, according to Ministry of Health.
Last year, Uganda imposed one of Africa’s earliest and strictest lockdowns, successfully containing the first wave of the virus.
President Yoweri Museveni early this week reimposed restrictions on schools, travel, and gatherings for the next six weeks.
Experts believe that Uganda’s reported cases and deaths are undercounted because of the country’s low testing capacity.
Several people can confirm that they know of at least a friend that’s ailing with Covid-19.
Others claim they have at least lost a relative or a friend to COVID-19.