President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni have paid tribute to the late Lay Canon Verinah Kekitanda Rujoki, crediting her resilience and dedication to raising children who have gone on to serve the country.

Rujoki, 85, was buried at Kachumbiro Village in Rushere Town Council, Kiruhura District, following a funeral attended by government officials, religious leaders and hundreds of mourners.

In a condolence message delivered by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Bright Rwamirama, President Museveni commended Rujoki for educating and raising her children despite the challenges she faced after the death of her husband, the late Reverend John Rujoki.

Her children include Uganda Revenue Authority Commissioner General John Musinguzi and Kiruhura District Woman MP Ruth Rujoki Mushabe.

In a separate message read by John Musinguzi, the First Lady described Rujoki as a hardworking and resilient woman who devoted herself to her family. She said the deceased would also be remembered for her kindness, generosity and support to the community.

A message from Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, delivered by Patriotic League of Uganda Secretary General Fadil Twaha, described Rujoki as patriotic. Gen Muhoozi contributed Shs10 million towards the burial arrangements.

The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, urged the family to uphold the values of hard work, loyalty and social responsibility associated with the deceased.

Her daughter, Ruth Rujoki Mushabe, thanked her mother for the love, guidance and Christian values she instilled in the family.

Ruth’s husband, Daniel Mushabe, praised his mother-in-law for welcoming him as her own son and thanked President Museveni for the financial support extended to the family from the time of her death through the burial arrangements.

The burial service was led by the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese, Rt Rev Alfred Muhoozi, alongside other religious leaders.

Among those who attended were Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Cabinet ministers, MPs and other political and religious leaders.