Father Damian Grimes, the former headmaster of Namasagali College who left an indelible mark on Uganda’s educational landscape, will be laid to rest in a state-honored funeral. He passed away peacefully at the age of 93 in Liverpool, England on September 4, 2024.

Summary:

• The body of Father Damian Grimes, the former headmaster of Namasagali College who passed away on September 4th, is being flown back to Uganda for burial.
• The Ugandan government, in conjunction with the Mill Hill Missionaries and the Namasagali College Alumni Association, have planned a series of events to honor his legacy.

In a gesture of respect for his contribution to the nation, the Ugandan government has decided to repatriate his body from the United Kingdom. This decision is a testament to the impact Father Damian Grimes had on generations of students during his tenure as headmaster of Namasagali College from 1967 to 2000.

Father Grimes’ journey began at the young age of 17 when he joined the Mill Hill Missionaries. He was subsequently posted to Uganda, where he began his teaching career at Namilyango College. After serving for seven years and rising to the position of deputy headteacher, he took the helm at Namasagali College.

Under his leadership, Namasagali College flourished, gaining recognition not just for academic excellence but also for its vibrant extracurricular activities. Known for his courage and progressive approach to education, Father Grimes encouraged students to explore their talents in music, dance, and drama.

He instilled a strict policy against bullying, ensuring that Namasagali College stood apart as a beacon of peace and mutual respect. Unlike many institutions at the time, the school never experienced student strikes during his tenure.

To honor this extraordinary educator, a series of events have been planned to mark his final journey home. His body will arrive at Entebbe International Airport on Thursday, September 26th, aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ at 9 am.

Upon arrival, an artiste salutation will be held at the National Theatre in Kampala, hosted by the Uganda National Cultural Centre and the Uganda Centre of International Theatre Institute, starting at 2 pm. A celebration of his life mass, officiated by Rev Daniel Oryem, will then be held at the Protea Hotel starting at 5 pm.

The funeral proceedings will continue on Friday, September 27th, with a requiem mass at Munyonyo Basilica in Kampala, starting at 10 am. This will be followed by another requiem mass at Rubaga Cathedral in Jinja, officiated by Mill Hill Fathers, starting at 3 pm.

Following the mass, Father Grimes’s casket will be taken to the Busoga Lukiko in Bugembe, where the Speaker, Rt Hon George Mutyabule, and members of the Lukiko will hold a special sitting in his honor starting at 5 pm.

In a fitting tribute, Father Grimes’ final resting place will be at the Saint Damian Grimes Chapel at Namasagali College in Kamuli district. Before the interment ceremony on Saturday, a funeral Mass will be held at the college, starting at 11:00 am, presided over by Rt Rev Charles Martin Wamika, Bishop of Jinja Diocese. The burial is scheduled to commence at 2 pm.

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The outpouring of grief and the elaborate funeral arrangements stand as a testament to the profound impact Father Damian Grimes had on Uganda. He will be remembered not just as a headmaster, but as a mentor, a leader, and a father figure to many.

The murder trial of the late businessman, Henry Katanga, took a dramatic turn this week as defense lawyers accused the acting Director of Forensics Services, Andrew Kizimula Mubiru, of examining DNA samples on a different gun than the one allegedly used in the murder. This accusation comes amidst questions about the integrity of the investigation.

The defense lawyer, Mr. MacDosman Kabega, pointed out inconsistencies in Mr. Mubiru’s report, suggesting he had examined a different gun to falsely implicate the widow, Molly Katanga, in the murder. Kabega further cited a previous case, the infamous ritual sacrifice murder case of businessman Kato Kajubi, where Mr. Mubiru was condemned for examining exhibits in a case unrelated to the one he was supposed to be investigating.

The defense lawyers also criticized Mr. Mubiru for failing to examine other potential weapons found at the scene, including a baton and walking copper stick, suggesting he deliberately avoided examining these items because they might reveal evidence of Ms. Katanga’s assault.

This case has raised serious questions about the competence and integrity of the forensics investigation. The defense’s allegations, if proven, could significantly impact the outcome of the trial. But as for now, the Katanga Murder trial is still ongoing and Molly Katanga is still on spot for murdering her husband.

A three-year-old boy tragically lost his life after falling into a 40 feet deep pit filled with waste from a local gin brewing facility in Sofia ‘B’ Village, Busia Town Council, Busia District, Uganda. The incident occurred on September 23, 2024, when Samson Nyongesa, accompanied by his mother, was visiting his grandmother in the village.

According to reports, Samson strayed from his grandmother’s compound and wandered to a neighboring house where the tragic accident took place. It is believed that he stepped on a weakened manhole cover, leading to his fall into the lagoon used for discarding waste from the production of waragi, a locally brewed potent gin.

Residents were alerted by cries for help, but their rescue efforts were hampered by the depth of the pit and the presence of water. Police and residents worked together to empty the manhole using basins, eventually recovering Samson’s body. The body was transported to Busia Health Centre IV for an autopsy.

Local authorities have expressed concern over the incident, highlighting potential negligence and lax safety standards among the area’s numerous waragi brewing facilities. Aisha Kalombo, the Eastern Division chairperson, stated that the authorities will be cracking down on and shutting down all waragi brewing outlets in the division that fail to comply with the established safety regulations. The police have also initiated investigations into the incident to determine the extent of negligence involved.

This tragic incident has shocked the community, raising questions about the safety measures in place at local brewing facilities. The upcoming crackdown on unregulated waragi production underscores the need for stricter enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical issue in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Uganda, where it disproportionately affects women and children. According to the Ballard Brief, 65% of Ugandan women report experiencing some form of IPV, including physical, emotional, or sexual violence. Additionally, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics’ 2020 National Survey on Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) reveals that 95% of Ugandan women and girls have suffered physical or sexual violence—or both—by partners or non-partners since the age of 15.

The consequences of these violent acts are severe and far-reaching. Victims often endure physical injuries such as bruises, burns, broken bones, and even death. The spread of diseases like HIV is exacerbated by the violence, and mental health impacts, including depression and trauma, are common among survivors.

In Uganda, the root causes of IPV are linked to cultural dynamics, family property disputes, failure to provide for the household, substance abuse, and infidelity. These factors create an environment where violence is normalized, leaving women and girls vulnerable.

As a human rights advocate, I strongly condemn the rising violence against women and girls in Uganda. Two recent tragedies exemplify the brutality of IPV: 33-year-old Sergeant Rebecca Cheptegei, who died after suffering 80% burns when her partner, Dickson Ndiema, doused her in gasoline at her home in western Kenya’s Trans-Nzoia County on September 3, 2024. Another victim, 19-year-old Sharon Rukundo, was beheaded by her husband, identified only as Kude, in Juuko Zone, Katwe-Makindye Division.

While these stories highlight the devastating reality of IPV, they also remind us that the responsibility to prevent such violence rests on all of us. It is crucial that we move beyond merely condemning these acts and take concrete steps to intervene and prevent further harm. These horrific acts could have been prevented had we, as community members, played a more active role in providing guidance and support to young couples.

Although the scope of the problem is daunting, there are reasons for hope. Several interventions have shown that it is possible to reduce IPV through community engagement, education, and policy changes.

For example, Raising Voices, a Ugandan NGO, has developed the SASA! approach—a community-based intervention that focuses on shifting attitudes and behaviors around power dynamics and violence. SASA! empowers women and men to rethink gender roles and relationships, promoting mutual respect and non-violence. Evaluations have shown significant reductions in physical violence in communities where SASA! was implemented. This demonstrates that when communities engage in education and dialogue, real change is possible.

Similarly, ActionAid Uganda operates women’s shelters, providing survivors of IPV with safety, psychological support, and legal assistance. These shelters have helped many women rebuild their lives and seek justice. With government and community backing, expanding these services could provide more women with access to safety and healing.

As we approach the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, from November 25 to December 10, under the global theme “Orange the World: End Violence against Women Now!”, we must seize this moment to act. Men and boys, in particular, have a critical role as allies in ending violence against women and girls. By challenging abusive behaviors, modeling respect in relationships, and supporting education on consent and equality, they can contribute to a cultural shift that promotes the dignity and rights of women and girls.

Moreover, faith-based and traditional leaders, such as Katikiro, traditional healers, elders, and mothers-in-law, are increasingly seen as pivotal in preventing violence. By taking the lead in resolving family disputes and promoting peaceful households, these leaders can make a tangible difference in reducing IPV.

Government intervention is also crucial. Countries like Rwanda have made significant progress in reducing gender-based violence through government-backed One Stop Centers that offer survivors access to healthcare, legal support, and psychosocial services in one location. This holistic approach could serve as a model for Uganda, offering survivors a clear path to recovery and justice.

While IPV remains a significant challenge, these examples show that when communities, governments, and individuals come together to promote healthier relationships, change is possible. Let us not sit back, but rather work collectively to create a future where women and girls are safe from violence and treated with dignity and respect.