Dr Philip Brightone Buchere, a long-serving parliamentary official who chaired the staff pensions board and oversaw the introduction of post-retirement medical cover, has died while receiving treatment in Germany.
The Parliamentary Service Commission announced the sudden passing of Dr Buchere, 61, on Monday morning, describing him as an industrious and committed officer whose diligence delivered record returns for members’ retirement funds.
Joining the service in November 2013 as director of curriculum development, training and research at the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training, he rose to head the Senate Liaison Office before taking the pensions board chair in September 2019.
Under his stewardship the scheme posted unprecedented interest earnings in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Colleagues remembered him as the driving force behind the staff medical scheme launched in July 2022, ensuring thousands of parliamentary workers and their families gained comprehensive cover after retirement. As chairman of the staff disciplinary committee he was noted for fairness and strict adherence to procedure.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, who also chairs the Parliamentary Service Commission, said the death was a devastating loss to the entire public service. “Dr Buchere exhibited exceptional dedication and remarkable work ethic. His positive attitude made him an invaluable member of every team he worked with,” the statement read.
Dr Buchere passed away at University Hospital Würzburg where he had been undergoing specialist treatment. He is survived by his wife and children.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once the body is repatriated. Flags at Parliament Buildings flew at half-mast on Monday as staff gathered in small groups to share memories of a man many described as quietly brilliant and relentlessly cheerful.
The Parliamentary Service Commission has promised full support during the difficult period.
