Former Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Dr. Emmanuel Iyamulemye Niyibigira, was laid to rest at his home in Bigina Village, Kisoro Municipality.
He was 61. Dr. Iyamulemye passed away on 18th November 2025 after a distinguished career in agricultural research and development.
A requiem mass was held at St. Peter’s Gisoro Catholic Church, presided over by Rev. Fr. Joseph Sebatware. Mourners, including family, friends, former colleagues, and members of the community, described the late doctor as a humble, approachable, and dedicated professional who served with integrity and passion.
Born on 18th December 1963 in Kanyando Village, Kalambi Parish, Nyarubuye Sub-county, Kisoro District, to Mr. and Mrs. Kagingani, Dr. Iyamulemye began his education at Busengo Primary School, where his late father worked as a catechist. He later transferred to Rwanziu Primary School, where he excelled academically, emerging as the second-best pupil in the entire Kigezi region.His outstanding performance earned him a place at Butobire Senior Secondary School, one of the top schools in Kigezi at the time, where he completed both his O-Level and A-Level studies.Dr. Iyamulemye proceeded to Makerere University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture. He was retained as a lecturer at the university, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in the sector. His passion for agricultural research led him to Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands, where he obtained both a Master’s degree and a PhD.
Upon returning to Uganda, he earned an additional Bachelor’s degree in Management from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. Throughout his career, Dr. Iyamulemye held several senior positions, including roles with the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF) and the Office of the Prime Minister in the Karamoja region.
He is best remembered for his decade-long tenure (2015–2025) as Managing Director of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, where he played a pivotal role in transforming Uganda’s coffee sector. Dr. Iyamulemye is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bridget Iyamulemye, whom he married on 13th December 1997, and their four children: Darlen, Michelle, Desmond and Denzel.
He will be remembered as a devoted family man, an accomplished scholar, and a transformative leader in Uganda’s agricultural landscape.May his soul rest in eternal peace.