The final chapter of Father Damian Grimes’ remarkable life will close at Namasagali College, the school he transformed into an educational powerhouse.
After passing away at the age of 93 in Liverpool, UK, the legendary educator’s body will be flown back to Uganda, fulfilling his last wish to be laid to rest in the place where his legacy continues to thrive. His burial in the serene riverbank town of Namasagali will mark a fitting tribute to a man who revolutionized education and shaped countless lives.
Known for transforming education through his revolutionary methods, Fr. Grimes will be laid to rest at Namasagali College, where his legacy continues to inspire generations.
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The passing of Fr. Damian Grimes marks the end of an era for Uganda’s education system, particularly for Namasagali College, where he served as a headteacher for decades. His holistic approach to education, blending academics with co-curricular activities, reshaped the lives of countless students.
His final wish, to be buried in Namasagali, underscores his deep connection to the school, the community, and the transformative role he played in shaping Uganda’s future leaders.
The Namasagali Old Students Association, led by notable alumni like business magnate Patrick Bitature and UK Councillor Maureen Mwagale, is spearheading efforts to bring Fr. Grimes’ body back to Uganda. Funeral arrangements are underway, and a vigil is being hosted by Mr. Bitature at the Protea Hotel in Kololo to honor the man who meant so much to the institution and its former students.
Fr. Grimes, a former boxer and Mill Hill Missionary, took over Namasagali College in 1967. His philosophy of education extended beyond books and exams, incorporating music, dance, drama, and sports as key components of personal growth.
His influence reached beyond the classrooms, impacting every student’s life journey, as former students recall him not only as an educator but as a mentor, father figure, and visionary leader.
Fr. Grimes’ contribution to education will live on long after his passing. His final wish to rest at Namasagali College symbolizes his eternal bond with the institution he nurtured, a fitting tribute to a man whose impact transcended the boundaries of traditional education.
As the funeral arrangements unfold, Uganda will unite to celebrate the life of a man whose dedication to the country’s education shaped a generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
