By Patriot Corps
BUSIA: A somber mood enveloped Nahayaka village, Buhehe Sub County, in Busia district on Sunday, as hundreds of mourners gathered for the burial of Senior Chauffeur Lawrence Mangeni, who succumbed to cardiac arrest last Monday. At the time of his death, Mangeni was one of the professional drivers to Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel.
Described by many as humble, hardworking, loyal, and God-fearing, Mangeni also chauffeured former Vice Presidents Dr. Wandira Kazibwe, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, and Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. While addressing mourners at his final send-off, VP Alupo said that in Mangeni, the country had lost a nationalist who drove to any part of the country without hesitation.
“Lawrence was such a gentle, professional, and ethical driver. He did his work diligently and has left a shining legacy in light of the professional conduct in which he carried himself while on duty,” the Vice President said. She further explained that Mangeni was one of the drivers Alupo inherited when she assumed office in 2021 and that he was specifically allocated to drive her car.
“He will be missed by State House, the Uganda Police Force, the Office of the Vice President, and public service in general,” Alupo said, thanking Mangeni’s colleagues and support staff for their team spirit.
Speaking on behalf of the children, Dan Mangeni said words could not adequately describe his late father. “Daddy was so friendly. He loved us so much that even with his little salary, we attended good schools. He made sure that we didn’t lack,” Dan said, highlighting his father’s love, empathy, and support for his family.
Mangeni’s son thanked the Office of the Vice President, especially VP Alupo, for the empathy and financial support extended to their family since his father fell ill. He called upon his siblings to maintain unity and togetherness as they strive to preserve their father’s legacy.
Ms. Grace Mangeni thanked the mourners for turning up in large numbers to bid farewell to her husband. She lauded the government, particularly the Vice President, for allowing her husband to work with them and for the moral and financial support extended to him throughout his life.
The burial was attended by clergy, politicians, and mourners from all walks of life.