By Fred Kiva
Uganda is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Professor Apolo Nsibambi, with several personalities decrying the loss of a great academic.
Nsibambi, Uganda’s longest serving Prime Minister (April 1999 to May 2011) died on Tuesday at his home in Rubaga, a Kampala suburb. Since news of his death trickled in, personalities from across the political divide took to social media to eulogize him.
President Yoweri Museveni praised him as a great patriot and academic who will be missed. “He was a true patriot and great academic. The country will miss him. I have instructed Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda to lead a team that will ensure we give Prof Nsibambi a befitting send-off,” the President tweeted on Tuesday evening.
Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye tweeted, “Lugubrious indeed. The passing of a good-hearted man; an academic par excellence; and a politician by....God’s will. Fare thee well.”
Democratic Party (DP) President Norbert Mao said Nsibambi was “an accomplished academic who transitioned smoothly into the political arena.” He added that “Nsibambi served with integrity, dignity, and class.”
Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba tweeted:
“I am saddened by the passing of our former Prime Minister Prof. Apolo Nsibambi. Prof. Nsibambi was a revered academic, who for people from my generation was almost legendary. We loved his colorful oratory and used his words e.g. 'Lugubrious' as often as we could. Rest in Peace”.
Alliance for National Transformation leader, Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu also sent his condolences to the family of the late professor.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Professor Apolo Nsibambi. We pray that God strengthens the family as they go through this undoubtedly difficult time,” tweeted
Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo says they are working closely with members of the deceased's family for burial arrangements, which will be communicated soon.
Condolence messages from other Ugandans
"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," BBC journalist Alan Kasujja.
"You want a true definition of a Professor? Apolo Robin Nsibambi. Rest In Peace Prof. Your soul must already be in heaven; you always kept time," MUBS Economics lecturer Ramadhan Ggoobi.
A message from Makerere University where he taught for some time: "We are saddened by the news of the passing on of Professor Apolo Robin Nsibambi. Prof Nsibambi was the first non-Head of State Chancellor of Makerere, a position he served from his appointment in October 2003 to October 2007."
"I have received the news of the passing on of Prof. Apolo Nsibambi former chancellor of MAKERERE University with shock. Prof. Nsibambi was an outstanding scholar and he served Mak diligently as a professor of political science and as the first non-Head of State Chancellor." Barnabas Nawangwe - Makerere University Vice Chancellor.
"Very sad to learn about the passing of Professor Apollo Nsibambi. He was an erudite and knowledgeable person. He had a great sense of duty and a great sense of humour - always teased me about only having one degree. Rest in Peace Mukulu," David Mpanga - lawyer.
