As Dr Pius Bigirimana prepares to close a remarkable chapter in Uganda’s public service, emotional tributes are pouring in from people who say the outgoing Secretary to the Judiciary and Permanent Secretary touched their lives, mentored their careers and opened doors for them.
After more than four decades in public service, including 18 years as a Permanent Secretary, Bigirimana is leaving behind not only a record of institutional reforms and government programmes but also a network of professionals who say they are better because of his guidance, trust and personal support.
In one of the emotional letters sent to him as he prepares for retirement, a former colleague described Bigirimana as a leader whose influence would continue long after he leaves office.
“You leave behind a lasting legacy of excellence, dedication and exemplary leadership,” the tribute reads.
The writer said Bigirimana’s greatest contribution was not limited to his own achievements, but extended to the people he mentored and nurtured during his long career.
“Beyond your own achievements, you have mentored and nurtured many professionals who will carry forward the values, standards and work ethic you instilled in them. Through them, your influence will continue to shape the public service for years to come.”
The tribute also carried a deeply personal message of gratitude.
“I owe you a great debt of gratitude for the trust you placed in me, the opportunities you gave me and the unwavering support you extended throughout the time we worked together. I will always remain grateful,” the writer said.
Another heartfelt tribute celebrated Bigirimana’s journey through some of Uganda’s most important public institutions.
Wagona credited him with making significant contributions from his time at the Office of the Prime Minister, through his tenure at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, to his final years at the Judiciary.
“From post-war recovery in the Office of the Prime Minister and empowering millions through YLP and UWEP at the Ministry of Gender, to spearheading a digital and infrastructural revolution in the Judiciary, you proved that public institutions can deliver with speed and accountability,” the letters reads.
Bigirimana’s career has been associated with several major initiatives, including the Youth Livelihood Programme and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, which sought to empower young people and women through financial support and enterprise development.
At the Judiciary, his tenure saw the expansion of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System, video conferencing in court proceedings and major investments in judicial infrastructure.
The twin-tower facility housing the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal stands among the most visible developments, while court infrastructure has continued to expand across the country.
But as the farewell messages demonstrate, for many who worked with him, Bigirimana’s legacy goes beyond projects and institutions.
“Thank you for your tireless service to our nation. Thank you for your personal friendship and support to me.”
He also echoed Bigirimana’s own message that retirement does not necessarily mean the end of his contribution to Uganda.
“I strongly believe in how greatly useful you still are to our great nation that still needs you,” he said.
For the veteran technocrat, retirement brings an end to a distinguished formal career in government. But the emotional messages from those who worked with him suggest that his influence will continue through the professionals he mentored, the institutions he helped transform and the many lives he touched along the way.
As Bigirimana enters retirement, the tributes paint the picture of a public servant whose greatest legacy may not only be measured in offices held or buildings constructed, but also in the people who proudly call him a mentor, friend and leader.