By Buwule Joseph Mary
KAMPALA – The Makerere University community gathered at St. Augustine Chapel to celebrate the life and legacy of Professor John C. Ssekamwa, a distinguished scholar and educationist who passed away on April 19, 2026.
The requiem mass brought together management, staff, students, and alumni, led by Vice Chancellor Barnabas Nawangwe and Makerere University College of Education and External Studies Principal Anthony Mugagga.
Described as a gallant alumnus and a pillar of Makerere University, Prof. Ssekamwa dedicated decades of service to the institution as a lecturer, researcher, and academic leader. He served as Dean of the School of Education from 1992 to 2000, a period during which he made significant contributions to shaping teacher education in Uganda.
Prof. Ssekamwa was also a prolific writer and researcher, authoring more than 60 books in English, Luganda, and other languages, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to influence education and scholarship.
Speaker after speaker at the mass eulogized him for his humility, simplicity, hard work, honesty, discipline, and punctuality. Many described him as a devoted counsellor and mentor who guided generations of students and colleagues.
In his tribute, Prof. Nawangwe commended the late scholar’s immense contribution to Makerere University and the education sector.
“This morning we gathered at St. Augustine Chapel, Makerere, to say the final farewell to Prof. John C. Ssekamwa, Professor of Education who retired from Makerere in 2004. Prof. Ssekamwa, one of the most humble and simple academics I have known, worked diligently for Makerere University and authored more than 60 books on education in English and Luganda,” Nawangwe said.
The mass was led by Fr. Richard Sseremba of St. Augustine Community, who called on the congregation to emulate the late professor’s values and commitment to service.
Prof. Ssekamwa will be remembered not only for his academic contributions but also for the profound impact he had on the lives of many within and beyond Makerere University.