Former Secretary of the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB), Mathew Bukenya, died at the age of 89. UNEB Spokesperson Jennifer Kalule confirmed the news, saying Bukenya had protracted health issues before his passing on Sunday.
“He has rested,” Kalule said, praising Bukenya’s commitment and exemplary service. “His legacy is marked by the great strides he made for our nation during his years at the examination body, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.”
Bukenya’s looked frail in his last public appearance in July 2023 at the opening of new stores and an office block for UNEB in Kyambogo.
Dr John Chrysostom Muyingo, the State Minister for Education, paid tribute to Bukenya, describing him as a dedicated servant whose legacy is firmly etched in Uganda’s educational history.
“Bukenya was a steadfast leader who provided essential guidance to the board, even during challenging times,” Dr Muyingo said. “His unwavering commitment to raising the standards of national examinations will always be remembered.”
Bukenya was the longest-serving Secretary in the board’s history, with a career of 19-years at UNEB starting in 1997.
UNEB battled several challenges under his stewardship. These includes examination malpractices, shortage of funding among others. However, Bukenya and his team worked diligently to combat these issues through professional integrity.
However, Bukenya’s last days at UNEB were marked by challenges, including a long-drawn-out disagreement with the board chairperson, Fagil Mandy.