KIU, Western Campus – Deceased KIU former Guild President Douglas Matovu was yesterday May 23 afternoon given a fitting send-off by a section of the KIU community, which joined relatives and friends to lay his body to rest at Buganga Town Council in Masaka district.

A delegation from KIU Western Campus that included the Assistant Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics and Research Prof. Mikail Umar, the Chief Executive Officer KIU Teaching Hospital Dr. Umi Bunu, the Dean Student Affairs (DSA) Flora Bamutura, the Director of Estates Isa Muwherize, the Associate Dean, School of Pharmacy Dr. Gladys Mercy Tenywa plus all other administrators from the School of Pharmacy were there to comfort Matovu’s family.

The rest of the delegation comprised of the President of the Uganda Medical Association (UMA) Dr. Sam Oledo, the Officer in Charge (O.C) of Ishaka Police Station Christopher Mansware, the Chief Security Officer KIU Western Campus Christopher Alikiriza plus student leaders including the president of the KIU Pharmacy Students Association (KIUPSA) Joshua Fred Mangen and former Guild Speaker Jackline Namutebi among others.

The DSA hailed Matovu as a calm, committed leader who was always ready to serve.

“If we are to speak everything about Matovu –His Excellency-, we might spend the night here,” she remarked.

“He stood for the position of Guild President but no one contested against him. I last saw him when he came to my office last Monday with the former Guild Speaker Jackline Namutebi and he was so excited because he wanted to consult me about a couple of things, one of which was his impeding visit to the KIU Senate to be introduced as the new Guild President for KIU Western Campus, ” she added.

According to KIUPSA president Mangen, who attended the burial, Matovu had a plan for the entire university and above all, he was a humble and jolly personality.

For his part, Mangen told this website that Matovu was a “humble and gentle soul who really loved what he did and would stand on the line for the greater good.”

Dr. Ronald Kayima, on behalf of the administrators at the school of pharmacy said that as a School, they had lost not only a student, but a friend to many, one who would approach administrators in their respective dockets on students’ behalf - a student president and a leader by example.

Mangen also revealed that the family said that they had really lost a jolly soul - one who wished well for others, who had no other intentions apart from having a big heart to take in anyone as they were.

He added that they also thanked all students from KIU, the administration, the old high school students and all people that came for the burial.

Mangen also claimed that it was resolved that Monday May 29, 2023 shall be dedicated by all universities in Uganda to plant some trees as a tribute to his memory,

Photos: Handouts