Tributes poured in yesterday following the death of Prof Anthony Kabanza Mbonye, the former director general of Health Services. Prof Mbonye was also the husband of Ms Lucy Nakyobe, the outgoing State House Comptroller, who was recently appointed as the head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet.

“The SH Comptroller, Ms Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, with deep sorrow announces the death of her dear husband, Prof Anthony Kabanza Mbonye, this morning (yesterday). He was (a) Prof at the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, M[A]K (Makerere University) & UCU (Uganda Christian University) and former Director General Health Service,” the Senior Presidential Press Secretary, Ms Linda Nabusayi, tweeted.

President’s message
A condolence message from President Museveni on Twitter read: “I want to express condolences to our incoming Head of Civil Service, Lucy Nakyobe, on account of the death of her husband, Dr Mbonye. His untimely death is a big disappointment for the country and all who know his work in the medical service.”

“He still had a lot to contribute. I salute Lucy Nakyobe because she did everything possible to support him during the time of his sickness. She was always briefing me. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the President added.

The Ministry of Health in a tweet yesterday said: “…Prof Mbonye’s immense contribution to the health sector will never be forgotten.”

The cause of his death is still unknown to the public.  Prof Mbonye, who graduated in 2006 from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, over the years, he attained a wealth of knowledge and skills in medicine and public health specifically in the field of malaria, maternal health and HIV/Aids.