Museveni mourns former teacher
RIP. The late Elifaz Bariira. COURTESY PHOTO
What you need to know:
Fulfilled life. Erifazi Bariira, who taught President Museveni in primary school, died at 100 years old.
President Museveni was on Friday joined by hundreds of mourners from all walks of life to mourn his former primary school teacher, Lay Canon Erifazi Barira, who died at 100 years on Monday and was buried on Friday at his home in Ryanshana One, Kashenyi Ward, Bushenyi-ishaka Municipality.
Mr Museveni, whose message was delivered by minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ms Mary Karooro Okurut, described the late Bariira as a hard working teacher who even worked overtime to make sure that his work of teaching pupils and turning them into responsible citizens was fulfilled.
The late Bariira taught Mr Museveni at Kyamate Primary School in Ntungamo District.
“Bariira’s life is a testimony and mission that is still going on throughout the future generations. He taught us beyond class work and he would sometimes work overtime. He emphasised character molding,” said Mr Museveni in the message read for him by Ms Karooro.
Mr Museveni added that the late Bariira was a dedicated and Born Again Christian, who would encourage his pupils to emulate him.
“I remember the last time I checked on him, he asked me to get Born Again and I have since then become a good Christian. I fear God and I am also not bad as far as Christianity is concerned,” he said.
He applauded Bariira’s children for joining him in the National Resistance Movement struggle which later liberated Uganda.
Mr Museveni reminded the people of Bushenyi to rethink about their household income and work hard to alleviate poverty. He gave the bereaved family Shs10 million in cash and promised to visit them.
The Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Johnson Twinomujuni, described the late Bariira as an old time Christian revivalist who has fought a good fight till the end.
He warned mourners: “Don’t neglect your parents. Some people study and move to urban centres, leaving their ageing parents in total misery yet they suffered for them when they were still young. Your father and mother struggled and worked so hard to see you become what you are. Make sure that you take good care of them and please stop leaving them alone for they need your help,” said Bishop Twinomujuni.
ABOUT THE LATE
The late Bariira died on Monday at Kampala International University teaching hospital due to old age, according to the family. He is survived by a widow, Lay Canon Rhoda Kengyeya Bariira, 11 children, 20 grand children, and 24 great grand children.
