Educationist Watasa remembered as a pillar of integrity

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Wilson Misaki Watasa, an esteemed educationist and father to lawyer and Uganda Human Rights Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya, has passed away.

He will be laid to rest in Bulambuli district on Tuesday.

Mzee Watasa who breathed his last on March 22, 2025, was a dedicated educationist, church leader, and community advocate, who firmly believed in education as a tool for empowerment and transformation. 

Since the 1950s, he mentored and educated thousands of students and played a pivotal role in founding public schools like Nabbongo Secondary School, where he chaired the foundation committee in the 1980s. 

Born in January 1929, he began school at the age of 16 after a determined effort to convince his father, the late Samwiri Kuloba, to release some goats for him to sell and raise school fees.

Despite his late start, he was one of the most enthusiastic learners, eager to make up for lost time.

To further his education, he left home to live with his uncle, Samson Kitutu, and academically inclined cousins. This journey led him to Nabumali and Kabwangasi Teachers’ College.

His dream was to complete school quickly so he could support his younger siblings' education—an ambition he successfully achieved.

While at Kabwangasi, he met a bright young athlete who was the first classmate to outperform him academically. With characteristic determination, he declared that he wanted her intelligence in his children and was willing to do whatever it took to marry her—his beloved wife, Karen Watasa.

A life dedicated to education, family

As a teacher, Mzee Watasa was relentless in his expectations, both in the classroom and on the sports field. He demanded excellence from his students and carried the same high standards into his community.

As a father, he instilled in his children and grandchildren a passion for education, regardless of gender.

“He was constantly reminding us that what a man can do intellectually, a woman can do as well—the evidence speaks for itself,” said Moses Watasa, commissioner of communication at the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.

In the community, he was known for his integrity, serving as treasurer for numerous organisations, including the church.

He was often called upon to mediate disputes, always emphasising the importance of understanding all perspectives. He is remembered as a strict disciplinarian with a kind and generous heart.

“He believed in the principle that there are three sides to every story,” Moses Watasa added.

Mzee Watasa was also a stickler for time and personal hygiene, with an unwavering belief that punctuality was non-negotiable. He is remembered as a strict disciplinarian with a kind and generous heart.

In the early 1980s, he and his wife, Maayi, became born-again Christians, a transformation that brought them great joy.

“We celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2015. This year would have marked their 70th, which they will now celebrate in heaven together,” said Watasa.

Mzee Watasa’s legacy is built on his values of education, hard work, integrity, faith, and community service.

“If we can uphold some of these values, we will have done both Paapa and Maayi proud. Though physically departed, they will live on through us—his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,” Watasa said.

He is survived by 12 children, 40 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Although not wealthy, he prioritised education for his children, many of whom have gone on to excel in various fields. 

His children include Naomi Lumutenga, an education and leadership coach with dual Ugandan-British citizenship, Prof. Dr Rhoda Wanyenze, dean of the School of Public Health at Makerere University, Sam Watasa, a finance and management consultant, Geoffrey Watasa, an educationist and pastor, Daniel Watasa, a UPDF major, Mariam Wangadya, and Moses Watasa.

During the early days of the NRM government, Mzee Watasa played an active role in mobilising local communities to support stability and address the issue of cattle rustling, particularly in Bulambuli, Kapchorwa, and Bukedea districts.