President Yoweri Museveni has recognized Canon Francis Mweheire, a regional businessperson, for his nationalistic and visionary guidance in ...
President Yoweri Museveni has recognized Canon Francis Mweheire, a regional businessperson, for his nationalistic and visionary guidance in promoting scientific development within the nation.
"I extend my deepest grief following the passing of Mr. Francis Mweheire, my old friend, schoolmate, and mentor. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uganda and personally, I offer my sincere condolences to his wife, children, entire family, the Government, and all Ugandans for losing a dedicated public servant," Museveni said.
The state minister for Luwero-Triangle, Alice Kaboyo, gave the President's eulogy during a funeral ceremony at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero, Kampala, on Friday. Mweheire, who was 85 years old, passed away at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 18, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and three children.
Thinking back on the past, the President remembered that "Mweheire left us at Ntare and went to Makerere University to study Zoology. He was highly intelligent and had a forward-thinking mindset. Science forms the basis for development. That's why the NRM has been encouraging the teaching of science subjects. We require professionals with scientific knowledge and expertise to assist us in addressing the challenges that endanger our survival and growth. A society is considered advanced when it has achieved a higher level of understanding in science and technology. This is the starting point for progress," Museveni said.
He stated, “I would like to convey my gratitude to Mr Mweheire for the contributions he made to this country throughout his life, particularly during his active career. He led a life marked by numerous examples; as a devoted leader in various capacities, a manager of a tea plantation in Mukono district, a group manager at Salama Tea Estate, a general manager of Agriculture Enterprises, and an executive director at Mitchell Cotts.”
As per Museveni, the constitutional framework was dismantled within the initial decade of independence. The following loss, as stated by Museveni, was the collapse of the small enclave economy known as the '3Cs and 3Ts'.
"Coffee, cotton, and copper formed the 3Cs, while tobacco, tea, and tourism made up the 3Ts. All of these vanished, with tea barely surviving due to influential individuals in powerful positions, such as the Mweheires. When they seized control of the government in 1986, we inherited a nation marked by severe economic decline and societal chaos. Immediate action was required to implement a basic economic recovery plan that would restore hope among the people," Museveni said during the tribute.
Museveni also praised Mweheire's role as a committed parent who effectively raised his children and provided them with proper guidance. He characterized him as a strong supporter of education and a guide in various areas.
The President specifically mentioned Patrick Mweheire, the eldest son and Regional Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group, who previously held the position of CEO at Stanbic Bank Uganda from 2015 to 2020.
As per Museveni, the younger Mweheire "played a significant role in shaping Uganda's economic scene by promoting economic development, drawing in investments to the nation, and providing essential public services."
About Canon Francis MweheireHe came into the world on June 26, 1940, as the child of Murokore Samwiri Mafene and Edrida Bagayente.
In 1954, he enrolled at Kitaziguruka Church of Uganda Primary School. He attended the first and second grades (P.1 and P.2) and later transferred to Kinyasano Junior Primary School.
Later, he attended Ntare School in Mbarara for his secondary studies. He performed exceptionally well in both academic and leadership roles, earning him the position of head prefect, the top student office.
In 1965, he enrolled at Makerere University and pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology, which he completed with a second class Upper in 1968.
Mweheire began his career in 1969 with the UDC (Uganda Development Corporation). He took on the role of assistant manager at Muzizi Tea Estate in Kibale. That same year, he moved to Kiko Tea Estate, where he served as assistant group manager near Fort Portal.
He also served as a tea plantation manager in Kerita, located in the Mukono district, and subsequently held the position of group manager for several tea plantations, including Salama Tea Estates, which is also situated in Mukono.
In 1972, he was appointed as the general manager of Agriculture Enterprises, a position he held for nine years.
From 1982 until 2010, he held the position of executive director at Mitchell Cotts Tea Company.
After retiring in 2011, Mweheire founded Marumba Tea consultancy, which he continued to manage until his passing. He also held a position on the board of Kayonza Tea Company and Igara Tea Company.
The late Canon Francis Mweheire is survived by his wife Mary and three children, including Suzan Kitariko, her brothers Patrick and Phillip, as well as numerous grandchildren.
A memorial gathering is scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, November 23, at his residence in Marumba, Rukungiri.
A funeral ceremony and interment are scheduled for Monday, November 24, at the same location.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
