Makerere lecturer Brian Ssemujju laid to rest
Dr Gerald Walulya, a colleague at the department of journalism and communication, eulogised Ssemujju as having been a prolific scholar who maximised his time and talent.
Casket containing the late Dr. Brian Ssemujju's remains. This was during his funeral service at his ancestral home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. (Photo by David Magere)
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Dr Brian Ssemujju, a revered senior lecturer at Makerere University’s department of journalism and communication, has been laid to rest in Mityana district.
Ssemujju's passing on Sunday, August 3, 2025, marked the end of an impactful academic career that left an indelible mark on students, colleagues, and Uganda’s media landscape.
Final farewell in Mityana
A funeral service was held on August 6, 2025, at his ancestral home in Lubanja Village, Busimbi sub-county, where mourners gathered to honour a scholar celebrated for his intellectual rigour and dedication to societal advancement. Colleagues, students and community members reflected on his legacy with a mix of grief and gratitude, underscoring his role as a pillar of academia, media, and family.
Dr Gerald Walulya, a colleague at the department of journalism and communication, eulogised Ssemujju as having been a prolific scholar who maximised his time and talent.
“He authored groundbreaking academic papers, mentored countless students, including supervising a PhD candidate to completion and secured prestigious grants and fellowships,” Walulya said.
“His untimely departure robs us of a visionary at the peak of his contributions.”
Former students echoed similar sentiments.
Desire Alimocan, a 2025 graduate now at Radio Pacis in Gulu, recalled Ssemujju’s unique teaching style: “He balanced seriousness with humour, making complex concepts engaging. His classes were foundational to my career.”
John Dalton Kigozi, a journalist at Flash Media, said: “He was more than a lecturer: His mentorship shaped lives. His lessons will endure in our work.”
Makerere University acting deputy vice-chancellor (finance and administration) Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta represented the university at a requiem mass at St. Francis Anglican Chapel on August 5.
He extolled Ssemujju’s research dedication and offered comfort to the bereaved, quoting Psalm 34:14: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those crushed in spirit.”