Former state minister for privatization and Rukiga County Member of Parliament, Hon Manzi Tumubweine is dead.
Family members confirmed on Friday that Tumubweine died at a clinic in Kampala where he had been admitted for some days battling the deadly coronavirus disease.
“It’s true he died last night and we are yet to hold a family meeting to discuss the burial arrangements,” his son Dr Tumubweine Twinemanzi said.
“I have recieved very sad news of the death of Hon Manzi Tumubweinee, a comrade &leader of integrity who has served Uganda & @GovUganda with distinction in many capacities. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult period of grief. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace” Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, a family friend posted on Twitter.
An economist, Tumubweine was appointed Minister of state for Trade and Minister of Privatization in 1997 and he is on record for speaking against commercialization of politics.
At the time of his death, Tumubweine was the chairman of the Kabale University governing council
Tumubweine reportedly last appeared in public on May 28 during the university’s 5th graduation ceremony, where he asked the graduands to be honest, hardworking, trustworthy, transparent, and ensure that they keep good health through regular exercise.
It is reported that he collapsed shortly after his speech and was rushed to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital from where he was taken to Case Clinic in Kampala where he breathed his last.