Matthew Bukenya, the former Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) Executive Secretary, has died at the age of 90.

Bukenya’s demise was confirmed by the UNEB Spokesperson, Jennifer Kalule, on Monday morning, July 22, 2024, on an official handle, X.

According to Kalule, Bukenya breathed his last on Sunday evening, July 21, 2024, saying that the board was in touch with Bukenya’s family to arrange his burial.

“We will always cherish the lessons he imparted and the support he provided. His leadership was exemplary, guiding, and inspiring. His legacy will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and minds. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Kalule said.

Bukenya was the longest-serving UNEB chief examiner, after replacing David Ongom in April 1995 until his retirement on March 31, 2016.

Ongom was axed following the leakage of primary and secondary examination papers that year.

Bukenya was formally appointed on January 6, 2003, after seven years in an acting capacity, and went on to run the national examinations board for 17 years.

Initially, Bukenya had served as an accountant at UNEB and retired after clocking 60 years. He was recalled from retirement by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 1997, to help restore the credibility of the examination institution, and his name would become synonymous with national examinations.