Bishop Banja roots for mathematic popularisation

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Namirembe Diocese bishop, Moses Banja, has lauded Makerere University for popularising mathematics.

“I am happy that many students now want to do mathematics. But I pray that you promote the subject even more because it is very vital. There is no way you can avoid mathematics. You will find it in every area and career. So, the more it is promoted and taught, the better,” he says.

The bishop made the remarks during the thanksgiving service of Makerere University lecturer Grace Naigambi at St Apollo Kivebulaya Church of Uganda Namasuba, Makindye-Ssabagabo municipality in Wakiso district early this month.

Banja also paid a flowery tribute to Naigambi and his wife Evelyn Nakangu Naigambi for their deep sense of faith and gratitude, which has enabled them to acknowledge and give thanks to God for the good things He has enabled them to attain.

“We are grateful to God for the life, career and Christian leadership ministry of our brother Wilber Grace Naigambi and his wife Maama Evelyn Naigambi. We are happy that Wilber found the greatest treasure, that is, salvation in Our Lord Jesus Christ. And he has never been disappointed. God has enabled him to serve well. Indeed, he has dignified and glorified Makerere University and the Church through his marvellous works. We thank him and his family,” Banja said.

Mr Wilber Grace Naigambi (left) and his wife Evelyn singing a hymn during their thanksgiving function at St Apollo Kivebulaya Church of Uganda Namasuba on Sunday, March 2, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Keep peace

Bishop Banja, who was in company of his wife Can. Prof. Olivia Banja, Mengo archdeacon Can. Isaac Membe Kijjambu and Namasuba parish priest Rev. Samuel Katabula, later prayed and called upon all Ugandans to refrain from hatred, violence and negative attitudes as the country gets close to 2026, the year of elections. 

“Be peaceful. Don’t backbite or character assassinate each other. Also, let us not see violent demonstrations in our universities because high institutions of learning are expected to be the cradles of civilization. Let’s work for a peaceful and all-inclusive prosperous Uganda where everyone will have joy and satisfaction,” Banja said.

Makerere University vice-chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe described Naigambi as a humble but very hard-working don.

“Our good friend Wilber Naigambi is a very interesting man. He is quiet but impactful. He is not like some people who make a lot of noise but when you check what they are doing, you can’t see any impact. Yes, he is a different man. In his humility, he is one of the people who have made Makerere University once again become a great university worldwide,” Nawangwe said.

Dr Ismael Mirumbe (the head of Mathematics department) also spoke well of Naigambi.

“When the name WGN (Wilber Grace Naigambi) is heard in the department, then it is synonymous with keeping time. The timekeeping is not synonymous with arrival but even for departmental meetings, appointments, lecturers and any other arrangement that involves time specification. Although WGN did not teach me directly, I benefitted a lot from his very organised lecture materials and trial/sample questions that he used to teach the other groups.  Being a good example of person with a good saving strategy, WGN gave us a tip, that is, first save before you spend,” said Mirumbe.

MAK former vice-chancellor, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi, and the university’s reigning Principal of the College of Natural Sciences, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, also spoke highly of Naigambi’s work ethic and commitment to duty.

Naigambi said he found it right and just to organise the thanksgiving service because God had lavished abundant blessings on him and his family ever since he joined Makerere University as a part-time teacher of mathematics in 1990.

“For all the time I have served the University, God has provided me with good health, and I have worked without major health challenges. I have not been subjected to disciplinary action for all the years I have served with the university. I have not received petitions from any of my students about my inability to deliver the services expected from me.”

“I am leaving the university when I have been cleared by my supervisor, the head of department, and I do not have pending issues or questions to answer. For close to 30 years, subsequent heads of departments have entrusted me with processing and compiling of students’ examination results and I have not received complaints about it.”

“For 7 years, the teaching staff of the university entrusted me to represent them on the Board of Trustees of Makerere University Retirement Benefits Scheme (MURBS) and I am glad that I have executed and completed that assignment without petitions nor bruises from staff and management, and even if the university as an employer is obliged to pay me a salary, I would like to thank God that the university has paid me salary for all the 413 months I have served it including the just ended month.”

“During the 34 years of service, I have seen God doing amazing things in my family and spiritual life. It is during this period that I married my dear wife Evelyn, God gave us gifts of children in our family. These children have also now started their own families. At various times, God has called us to serve Him in various capacities, and at various levels in the Church, to the present level of being leaders of married men in the Namirembe Diocese. We indeed bless the name of the Lord.”

As a concrete expression of gratitude to God, the Naigambis donated a new keyboard to St Apollo Kivebulaya Church of Uganda, Namasuba.

After the service, the Naigambis hosted their guests to a luncheon at their home in Namasuba.