Hundreds of people including government officials, representatives from the private sector and other organizations on Friday thronged the Namugongo Catholic Shrine to pay tribute to fallen economist and bioscientist Dr. Abel Rwendeire. The Deputy Chairman of the National Planning Authority (NPA) succumbed to cardiac arrest on Thursday morning at his home in Kyaliwajala outside Kampala.
Most of the mourners who attended Friday’s Requiem mass including Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda described Rwendeire as having possessed unique qualities as a politician. Many recounted his humility, hardwork and the ability to ably cause impact in the different sectors within which he worked.
The Prime Minister especially credited the former Rubanda East legislator for having spearheaded the fight against sectarian politics in the Kigezi sub region and being an efficient political leader.
“We are still in shock over the untimely death of our comrade. He was in my view one of the rare species of human beings in this country. He was a high flier in whatever he was involved in,” Rugunda said.
“He was a fighter and he fought well against sectarian politics which had dominated the South Western region. His death should challenge us to emulate his example by loving our country,” he told mourners.
Similarly, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija spoke well of Rwendeire saying that his contribution to Uganda’s economy through efficient execution of his duties will be missed.
Earlier, Julius Mutebi, the Mayor of Kira Municipality where Rwendeire was resident recalled how the deceased had approached his office to seek technical support to repair a community road. The Mayor challenged other politicians to emulate Rwendeire who he said was humble and patient, despite being being a big political figure.
The Requiem mass was attended by among others; Second Deputy Prime Minister Kirunda Kivejinja, Minister of Finance for Planning David Bahati, Deputy Governor Bank of Uganda Louis Kasekende and MPs.
In eulogizing her deceased husband with whom she has been married for 39 years, Mercy Rwendeire said he was many things to her including a good husband. She regretted that his death came so fast and shocking.
“While in London three weeks ago, he said he was not feeling well, but upon getting a physical checkup, he was found to be well,” the widow said. She revealed that Rwendeire had worked normally on Monday and Tuesday until his pain increased on Wednesday.
When they rushed him to Nakasero hospital on Thursday morning after suspecting he was unconscious, little did they know that he had died even before getting to hospital.
Rwendeire who died at age 66 is survived by five daughters. Mary Kobusingye described her father as having been humble, a great statesman and educationist. She said that Rwendeire lived a full life and did everything to provide the best for them.
In his public service, Rwendeire held numerous portfolios including State Minister for; Trade and Industry, Higher Education and later Trade. Between 1993 and 1996, he was the Principal at Uganda Polytechnic Kyambogo.
Rwendeire also served as the Managing Director United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Austria and Chairman for the International Atomic Energy Agency for Africa.
In November last year, President Yoweri Museveni appointed a Makerere University Visitation Committee to investigate issues surrounding the perennial paralyses at the institution and Rwendeire was to head it. At the time of his death, the committee was yet to submit a report on its findings to the President.
