Burial plans for Father Damian Grimes released

In a statement, they expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and First Lady Janet Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, for facilitating the repatriation of Father Grimes’ remains.

Thursday, September 26

Arrival of the body at Entebbe Airport aboard KQ at 9A.M.
An Artiste Salutation in honour of Father Grimes will take place at the National Theatre, hosted by the Uganda National Cultural Centre and the Uganda Centre of International Theatre Institute, starting at 2P.M.
A celebration of life mass will be officiated by Rev Daniel Oryem at Protea Hotel at 5P.M.

Friday, September 27

Requiem Mass officiated by Monsignor Kalumba and Fr Male, Parish Priest, will be held at Munyonyo Basilica at 10A.M.
Requiem Mass officiated by Mill Hill Fathers will take place at Rubaga Cathedral, Jinja, at 3P.M.
The casket will be received at the Busoga Lukiko in Bugembe, where the Speaker, Rt Hon George Mutyabule, and members of the Lukiko will hold a special sitting in honour of Father Grimes at 5P.M.
The casket will then be transported to Namasagali College for overnight services at the school.

Saturday, September 28

A funeral mass presided over by Rt Rev Charles Martin Wamika, Bishop of Jinja Diocese, will be held at Namasagali College at 11A.M., with internment set to commence at 2P.M.

Father Damian Grimes, born on June 11, 1931, in Wakefield, England, was ordained as a priest in 1955. Just four years later, he embarked on his journey to Uganda, starting as a history teacher at Namilyango College. By 1967, he had taken the helm as headmaster at Namasagali College, where he spent over three decades shaping the lives of countless students.

A visionary in Ugandan education, Grimes played a pivotal role in introducing A'levels and pioneering computer studies, a rarity in the country’s secondary schools at the time. His influence, however, reached far beyond the classroom, impacting Ugandan society in immeasurable ways.

He was also a passionate advocate for sports and the arts, encouraging activities like chess, boxing, and creative expression. His holistic approach to education earned him admiration and respect, with many of his students going on to excel in these fields.

Grimes’ outstanding contributions were formally recognised when he was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1991 for his dedication to African education. In 2022, he was further honoured by President Yoweri Museveni with a medal for his exceptional service to Uganda’s education system.

Even after retiring and returning to England 24 years ago, Father Grimes remains a cherished and celebrated figure in Uganda.