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.
MORE: Government Asks Foreigners to Leave the Prostitution Industry to Ugandans
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.
