Former Minister of Education, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, has died at the age of 84.
The news of her passing was announced on Thursday by the Director of Engineering and Communication Infrastructure at the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo through her X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the statement, Bitamazire passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
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"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of my paternal aunt, Hon. Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire, which occurred yesterday evening," the statement read.
Born on July 17, 1941, in Butambala, Gombe, Central Uganda; Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire dedicated her life to public service, education reform, and the empowerment of future generations.
She received her secondary education at Trinity College Nabbingo before joining Makerere University, where she earned a Diploma in Education (1964), a Bachelor of Arts (1967), and later a Master of Arts (1987).
Bitamazire's professional career began in teaching, where she served at Mt. St. Mary's Namagunga and Tororo Girls School, making history as the first African headteacher of Tororo Girls School. Her leadership in education quickly elevated her to national prominence.
Between 1971 and 1973, she served as a Director of the East African Harbours Corporation, part of the first East African Community. From 1974 to 1979, she worked as a Senior Education Officer in Uganda's Ministry of Education and Sports.
In 1979, she was appointed Minister of Education, a position she held until 1980. She later served as Deputy Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission from 1981 to 1996, helping shape Uganda's education workforce.
From 1999 to 2005, she served as State Minister for Education, before being reappointed Minister of Education and Sports from 2005 to 2011.
She was also elected Woman Member of Parliament for Mpigi District in 2001, serving until 2011. Following the creation of Butambala District in 2010, she contested in the NRM primaries during the 2011 elections but was defeated. She was subsequently dropped from cabinet in the May 27, 2011 reshuffle.
Bitamazire is perhaps best remembered for her pivotal role in the introduction and implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda. Her tireless advocacy for accessible education earned her the affectionate title "Mama UPE."
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Among her most notable accomplishments were her efforts to democratise education and expand enrolment nationwide, revise the primary school curriculum, strengthen tertiary and university education, reform education sector laws and regulations, improve PLE and UCE examination performance, enhance teacher training and professional development, and rehabilitate as well as expand school infrastructure across the country.
Her influence extended beyond Uganda. She served as a Member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (1998-2001), was a founding member of the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), a member of the Kajubi Commission (Education Policy Review Commission), and later became Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute. She also served as Africa Region Coordinator of the YMCA.
Bitamazire was married to Alphonce Bitamazire of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and was a loyal member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Bitamazire, widely respected for her decades-long service to the nation, played a transformative role in shaping Uganda's education sector and advancing women's leadership both nationally and internationally.
Tributes have begun pouring in from political leaders, educators, civil society, and former students, many describing her as a principled leader, mentor, and tireless champion of education and women's empowerment.
