Muhakanizi endured sacrifices to build Uganda, Kasaija says
Kasaija said even after Muhakanizi was transferred, he would hardly spend a week without going to his office to guide him of key areas that needed his expertise.
Muhakanizi's burial took place Sunday evening in Lyantonde. (Credit: Ismael Kasooha)
NewVision Reporter
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TRIBUTE | MUHAKANIZI | KASAIJA
KAMPALA - The finance minister Matia Kasaija, has eulogised Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) permanent secretary Keith Muhakanizi, as a person who endured sacrifices to build Uganda.
“Uganda is at this level of growth because of the reforms Muhakanizi and the late Prof. Emmanuel Tumusiime-Mutebile crafted and the services they rendered to this country,” Kasaija said.
During a state funeral service at Kololo Independence Grounds on Saturday, Kasaija said the two (Muhakanizi and Mutebile) are the grand parents of Uganda’s modern economy.
He said Muhakanizi spearheaded a number of reforms both in economic and public financial management, which has helped government to foster economic growth, attract investment, reduce poverty, improve budget transparence and restore physical discipline.
Kasaija also said Muhakanizi promoted the reduction of risk debt distress by advocating for increase in government revenue collection, cutting government spending and promoting growth.
“Uganda has lost a gallant servant, who transformed the economy. We shall greatly miss him and his contribution to the development of the country. The finance ministry remains indebted to him for the enormous contribution to the growth of Uganda’s economy,” he said.
The finance minister said due to Muhakanizi’s excellent performance coupled with his good core technical competences, he rose to the ranks up to the level of permanent secretary at the finance ministry, a position he held until he was deployed in the Office of the Prime Minister in July 2021.
Kasaija said even after Muhakanizi was transferred, he would hardly spend a week without going to his office to guide him of key areas that needed his expertise.
He agreed with many mourners, who eulogized Muhakanizi as a friendly, intelligent and humble person.
Kasaija also said Muhakanizi was a dedicated civil servant, modest, very humorous and principled.
Mourners at Kololo official funeral service were led by President Yoweri Museveni
Muhakanizi, 64, breathed his last on Thursday at 9:00pm at a hospital in Milan, Italy, where he had been flown for treatment accompanied by his wife. They were later joined by their daughter and a brother when his condition deteriorated.
Burial took place Sunday evening in Lyantonde.