Matthew Bukenya, the former Executive Secretary of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), has passed away. He died on Sunday night, July 21, 2024, at Rubaga Hospital, where he had been receiving medical treatment. Bukenya was 90 years old.
Jennifer Kalule, UNEB’s spokesperson, confirmed the news to leading media houses on the morning of July 22, 2024. Kalule indicated that UNEB is in the process of contacting Bukenya’s family to discuss burial arrangements. His daughter, Catherine Nansamba Mubiru, stated that details regarding the burial will be announced once her brother arrives from the United States.
| Details of the Passing | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Death | July 21, 2024 |
| Time of Death | Approximately 1:30 AM |
| Place of Death | Rubaga Hospital |
| Age at Passing | 90 years |
Career Highlights
Matthew Bukenya was a pivotal figure in UNEB, holding the position of Executive Secretary for an extended period. His service began when he replaced David Ongom in April 1995. Ongom was removed from the role due to the leakage of examination papers.
Bukenya was formally appointed as UNEB’s Executive Secretary on January 6, 2003, after initially serving in an acting capacity for seven years. His leadership tenure spanned 17 years, making him the longest-serving chief examiner in UNEB’s history.
Before his time as Executive Secretary, Bukenya worked as an accountant at UNEB. He retired at the age of 60 but was recalled by President Yoweri Museveni in 1997 to restore credibility to the examinations board. Bukenya’s contributions were instrumental in maintaining the integrity of national examinations.
| Career Timeline | Role | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Accountant at UNEB | Accountant | Until retirement at 60 years |
| Acting Executive Secretary | Acting Executive Secretary | April 1995 – January 2003 |
| Executive Secretary | Executive Secretary | January 2003 – March 31, 2016 |
Tributes and Legacy
UNEB expressed deep sorrow over Bukenya’s passing. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), UNEB described Bukenya as a guiding force and a source of inspiration for many within the organization. The board emphasized that his leadership and mentorship had a significant impact and that his legacy would be cherished by all who worked with him.
The statement from UNEB read, “His guidance and mentorship meant the world to most of us in UNEB. We will always cherish the lessons he imparted and the support he provided. His leadership was exemplary, guiding and inspiring. His legacy will continue to shine bright in our hearts and minds. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
His career and personal reflections were highlighted in a 2015 interview with The Independent Magazine, where he shared insights about his life, career, and values. This article revisits some of those reflections to celebrate his legacy.
In a candid interview with Joan Akello in February 2015, Bukenya offered a window into his personal and professional life. Here are some notable excerpts:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What do people say about you that shocks you? | “Nothing. I thank God that there is nothing which can shock me. People can say this and that but they do not shock me because I know I am doing the correct thing.” |
| Who are you in two sentences? | “I am a husband and father to five children, four boys and a girl. I know where to give my accountability.” |
| What makes you confident? | “God has given me a gift of a confident mind and I do not panic.” |
| Where do you derive your happiness? | “From God.” |
| What else do you love? | “I love talking to people, particularly the youth, to guide them to become responsible citizens.” |
| What is your biggest worry for the youth of today? | “I feel concerned. About 70 percent of the population here are youth. I try to instill values in them.” |
| What was your childhood dream? | “I wanted to be a priest.” |
| When did you change your mind? | “I did not. The dream did not change; it is a call. God did not call me.” |
| What were you doing before UNEB? | “I worked with exams and the East African Community.” |
| Is that why you got this job 16 years ago? | “I did not apply for the job; I was identified and asked to serve as UNEB’s Executive Secretary.” |
| What one decision do you regret making? | “None. I always think before I make a decision.” |
| What is the hardest decision you have had to make? | “Nullifying examination results. It affects parents, schools, and candidates, so it is very difficult.” |
| When was the last time you cried? | “When I was caned as a child and when I lost my mother.” |
| If you were a woman? | “I would be a mother.” |
| Which woman do you respect and admire? | “My wife, Christine.” |
| How do you want to be remembered? | “Nothing specific. I prefer to be judged by others. I like to be jovial.” |
| What is your philosophy about life? | “I believe in God and know I will one day have to account for my life. I aim to have a clean record before God.” |
| What is your favourite colour? | “I do not have a favourite colour, but I try to always wear a smile.” |
| What do you pray for daily? | “To die in the love of God.” |
| What is your favourite song? | “I enjoy singing hymns at church.” |
| Which book are you reading currently? | “Currently, I am not reading any specific book. In the past, I enjoyed William Shakespeare’s works, especially ‘Julius Caesar.’” |
| How many siblings do you have? | “We were seven, five boys and two girls. Unfortunately, two boys are no longer with us.” |
| Do they ever praise you? | “Yes, my siblings and students are proud of me.” |
Bukenya’s reflections reveal a man deeply committed to his values, career, and family. His long tenure at UNEB, marked by dedication and integrity, shaped Uganda’s examination system. His personal values and unwavering confidence in his work were evident in his responses, reflecting a life lived with purpose and faith.
In January 2001, Matthew Bukenya, then Secretary of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), reported receiving death threats related to a controversy over the academic qualifications of presidential aspirant Ntege Sebaggala. The threats came amid tensions and accusations regarding the handling of Sebaggala’s qualification documents.
Bukenya disclosed on January 7, 2001, that he had been threatened with death for blocking new academic qualification papers submitted by presidential candidate Ntege Sebaggala. The threats reportedly came from individuals associated with Sebaggala, who accused Bukenya of being a “Muganda traitor” and alleged that President Yoweri Museveni had bribed UNEB to obstruct Sebaggala’s documentation.
Bukenya, speaking to the press, recounted receiving numerous threatening phone calls at both his mobile phone and home. He expressed concern for his safety, stating that the threats included warnings about potential violence, such as a bomb being planted at UNEB offices. The intimidation appeared to be rooted in claims of bias against Sebaggala and accusations of being unfairly aligned with Museveni.
Summary of Key Points from the Threats
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Threat Source | Unidentified individuals claiming to be Sebaggala’s supporters |
| Nature of Threats | Death threats and claims of a bomb being planted at UNEB offices |
| Accusations | Bukenya accused of being a traitor and receiving a bribe from Museveni to block Sebaggala’s qualifications |
| Bukenya’s Reaction | Expressed fear for his safety and reluctance to return to UNEB offices; planned to report threats to police |
| Current Status of Sebaggala’s Documents | Awaiting discussion by UNEB board, which requires a quorum for decision-making |
Bukenya mentioned that despite the threats, Sebaggala still had a chance to have his qualifications reviewed. The UNEB board was scheduled to meet to deliberate on the issue, requiring a quorum of about 26 board members, including Chairman Wana Etyem and members of the Security Council.
In response to the threats, Bukenya indicated his intention to involve the police to address the situation. He expressed frustration over the personal attacks and the perception that he was unfairly targeting Sebaggala.
The incident highlighted the intense political and personal pressures faced by Bukenya during his tenure at UNEB.
In January 2014, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Irene Mulyagonja, halted the recruitment process for the position of Executive Secretary at the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) due to identified irregularities. The investigation followed concerns about procedural violations in the selection process.
The IGG’s intervention came after multiple complaints were lodged against Fagil Mandy, the Chairman of UNEB. According to a letter dated January 15, 2014, the IGG directed Education and Sports Minister Jesca Alupo to suspend the recruitment process for the Executive Secretary position. This directive was issued pending further investigation into the allegations of procedural irregularities.
Summary of Key Details
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | Inspector General of Government (IGG) Irene Mulyagonja |
| Action Taken | Halting the recruitment process for UNEB Executive Secretary |
| Reason | Alleged flouting of procedures by UNEB Chairman Fagil Mandy |
| Recruitment Process | 53 candidates applied; Dr. John Bosco Ntangaare, a Makerere University lecturer, was appointed for April 2014. |
| Allegations | Complaints that Fagil Mandy favored certain candidates and excluded others. |
| Current Status of UNEB Secretary | Matthew Bukenya’s term had expired, and he retired from UNEB on March 31, 2016. |
The investigation was prompted by 17 independent allegations related to the recruitment process, which suggested that Fagil Mandy had manipulated the process to benefit preferred candidates. The IGG’s office instructed that the recruitment process should be paused until the investigations were concluded or further orders were issued.
Matthew Bukenya, the then-current Executive Secretary, had reached the end of his term, which had expired in 2013. The position attracted 53 applicants, and Dr. John Bosco Ntangaare, a Makerere University lecturer, was initially appointed to take over the role effective April 2014. However, concerns about the recruitment process led to the temporary suspension of the appointment.
Matthew Bukenya’s tenure as UNEB Executive Secretary was marked by his long service and notable contributions to the board. His eventual retirement on March 31, 2016, marked the end of a significant era for UNEB.
