Former permanent secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi, has died.
Muhakanizi, who at the time of death was the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, died in Italy Thursday evening according to Government Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo.
Opondo who described the deceased as a friend to many did not reveal the cause of death. It is however widely known that the Ugandan economist has been unwell for a while.
"SAD! A friend to many. Keith Muhakanizi, Permanent Secretary Prime Minister's Office, and former long-serving PS Ministry of Finance & Secretary to the Treasury has died from a Milan, Italy hospital where he has receiving treatment. May he Rest in Peace," Opondo said in a tweet Thursday evening.
Frank Tumwebaze who has served in several ministries eulogized Muhakanizi as a courageous civil servant who stood his ground even before the President.
"Really Sad. Keith was a strong economist &a highly experienced civil servant. Very decisive in all his career life.He never feared to offer advise to any, including the president even when it wasn't favorable & never feared to take responsibility when it was necessary. So SAD!" Tumwebaze tweeted.
About Muhakanizi
Keith Muhakanizi is the immediate former Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Republic of Uganda. Muhakanizi served in different positions at the ministry for more than a decade and has been instrumental in macroeconomics policy and planning, financial sector growth and private sector growth in Uganda.
Muhakanizi also served as a member on Boards of numerous organizations. In addition to being the chairperson of the Economic Policy Research Center Board of Management, he served as the Chairman of East African Development Bank since May 25, 2013. He also served as the chairman of Housing Finance Bank Limited.