Uganda mourns eminent scholar, historian Prof. Ssekamwa

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The nation is mourning the death of Professor John Chrysostom Ssekamwa, a distinguished historian, educationist, researcher, scholar and prolific author who passed away on April 20, 2026, at Mengo Hospital in Kampala after a prolonged battle with cancer.

According to family member Tom Ssekamwa, the late professor had been admitted to Mengo Hospital for approximately one month prior to his demise.

His body currently lies at the hospital mortuary and will be transferred to Lubaga Cathedral on Wednesday for a Requiem Mass scheduled at 2:00 pm. Thereafter, the body will be transported to Lutisi along Hoima Road, where it will stay overnight.

The burial is set for Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm at his ancestral home in Lutisi along Hoima Road.

Professor Ssekamwa enjoyed a remarkable academic career spanning over 55 years, during which he profoundly influenced generations of Ugandans.

He began teaching at Makerere University in 1968 as a lecturer in the Department of History. He later transitioned to the Faculty of Education, where he trained future teachers and rose through the ranks to become a full Professor of Education in 1990.

In 1993, he was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Education at Makerere, a position he held until 2004.

He subsequently joined Nkumba University, where he served as Professor and Dean of the School of Education, Humanities and Sciences.

A passionate chronicler of Uganda’s and East Africa’s past, Professor Ssekamwa authored numerous influential books on history, education and Buganda culture.

Among his notable works are History and Development of Education in Uganda, A History of Education in East Africa and several publications on the Buganda Kingdom, its monarchy, indigenous religion and cultural practices.

He was also well known for reading excerpts from his books on Buganda’s Central Broadcasting Service radio, bringing history and culture alive for a wide audience in the local language.

His scholarly contributions extended beyond the lecture halls. Over his long career, thousands of Ugandans, including prominent figures such as the late Dr Sulaiman Kigundu and Prof Badiru Kateregga, passed through his hands as students.

Many credit him with transforming their lives through his dedication to teaching, rigorous scholarship and deep knowledge of both Western education systems and indigenous African knowledge.

After the news of his death circulated, tributes began pouring in from the academic community, former students and cultural leaders, who describe Professor Ssekamwa as a towering figure whose work preserved Uganda’s historical memory and shaped educational thought in the country.

His writings on the development of education from pre-colonial times through the colonial and post-independence eras remain key reference texts for students and researchers.

Colleagues and admirers remember him not only as a brilliant mind but also as a humble mentor who embodied the values of intellectual honesty, cultural pride and lifelong service to education.