President Yoweri Museveni’s longest serving Press Secretary (1986-2001) Hope Kivengere has passed on.
According to the Senior Press Secretary to the president, Lindah Nabusayi, Kivengere passed on from Nakasero Hospital where she was undergoing treatment.
“She always checked in on the Press whenever she was back home. We have lost a great civil servant. RIP Hope Kivengere,” Nabusayi Noted.
Before her death, Kivengere also worked as Uganda’s representative on the COMESA Committee of Elders.
She also Between 2016 and 2017, she worked with Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) 2016 and 2017.
Kivengere worked with AU peacekeeping missions in Sudan and in Somalia.
In 2018, she headed the COMESA team to observe Egypt’s presidential elections.
The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah described Kivengere as an effective press secretary who in her retirement supported the communication function of several regional bodies.
“Sad to learn of the death of Ms Hope Kivengere, former Press Secretary of H.E. President Museveni, Hope was an effective press secretary who in retirement supported the communication function of several regional bodies, May God comfort her family and rest her soul in peace,” Oulanyah said.
Arinaitwe Rugyendo on Twitter described Hope as a stellar press secretary who was always available for all manage and nature of journalists in Uganda and abroad.
“Rest with the angels Hope. A stellar Press Secretary who was always available for all manner and nature of journalist in Uganda and abroad. I would say, without a doubt, the best Presidential Press Secretary I ever encountered in my 22- year journalism career,” Rugyendo said.
Sarah Kagingo, The Principal Press Secretary to the Speaker of Parliament, also described Kivengere as a warm-hearted, virtuous, Pan-African lady.
“Saddened by the death of Hope Kivengere, a warm-hearted, virtuous, pan-African lady who I wished to be like when ‘I grow up.’, invaluable knowledge whenever we met. Memories of her engagements with Makerere students when she served as President Museveni’s Press Secretary. RIP,” Kagingo said.
Journalist Allan Kasujja said, “Beautiful. Gracious. Humble. Ever so warm! A proper Gayaza girl. Rest in Peace dear Hope.”
Former UPDF spokesperson Paddy Ankunda said, “RIP madam Hope like we fondly called you. You served your country with integrity and professionalism. I know you have a place in the wings of angels.”