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Dr Simon Peter Mukhama was born on December 6, 1969 to the late John Mukhama and Joy Lunyolo Mukhama, in Mbale town. 

He started his education at Nabumali Day Primary School, went through Nabumali High School and completed his bachelor’s degree at Makerere University. 

He then pursued his master’s degree at ESAMI. At the time of his death, Mukhama had just completed his PhD in leadership at Walden University (USA). In 1998, he married Ruth, with whom he had spent 25 years. 

The Lord blessed them with four children: Moses Magezi Mukhama (24), Joshua Mukisa Mukhama (22), Joy Mirembe Mukhama (19), and Treasure David Mukhama (17). 

Mukhama started his employment journey at the Uganda Women Concern Ministries in Mbale in 1994 as a child welfare officer. 

He then joined Bethel Rock Project, where he served for two years. In 1997, he worked with Compassion International as a child development officer.

In 1998, he joined the Bible Society of Uganda (BSU), where he has served in different capacities; from accounts assistant to PRO/ ICT officer, business manager and died as the organisation’s general secretary and CEO. 

During his service with BSU, he was appointed to serve as a member/finance and audit committee member on the United Bible Societies (UBS) Fellowship Global Council, where he was elevated to the position of African representative of the global council and then vice-chairperson. 

While serving the BSU, Mukhama came up with several crucial initiatives. For example, he set up four BSU branches across the country. He launched six complete local language Bibles. 

He relaunched life membership, which has contributed to the sustainability of BSU work. 

He developed and implemented Bible Advocacy Programmes for special groups, such as the visually impaired, refugees, those with hearing impairement, the elderly and prisoners, among others. 

He published two bilingual Bibles (English and Luganda, Spanish and English) and a special edition for Uganda @50 years. 

He started the construction of the New Bible House, which he left at 89% completion stage. 

Dr Mukhama will always be remembered for being a selfless and humble servant of God, for his creativity, innovativeness, friendship and visionary leadership. 

He impacted the lives of people from all walks of life. Dr Mukhama was laid to rest at his home in Nabumali, Mbale district on May 16, 2023, the very day on which he had planned to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary.

Biblical reflection 

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple (Psalm 27:4).