Col. Nakalema launches book honouring her father's faith, legacy and community service

KAMPALA - Col. Edith Nakalema, Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), has launched her book, My Father and I.

Unveiled on Tuesday, July 7, the package is an intimate and inspiring account of the extraordinary influence of her late father, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda, whose unwavering commitment to family, faith and community shaped generations of lives.

The book chronicles the remarkable journey of Rev. Sserwadda, a preacher who, five decades ago in western Uganda, defied the odds by nurturing his premature daughter (Nakalema) through what is today widely known as kangaroo mother care.

At a time when her mother suffered severe post-delivery complications that left her incapacitated for three years, her husband assumed full responsibility for raising his newborn daughter, demonstrating exceptional love, resilience and sacrifice. 

Growing up, Nakalema and her siblings enjoyed a happy childhood despite the family’s modest means. Their father’s active involvement in their upbringing ensured they excelled in school and developed strong values that would guide them throughout their lives. 

Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo presided over the ceremony. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba0

Even after pursuing a career in financial management and joining the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, rising through the ranks to become a Colonel, Edith Nakalema continued to seek her father’s guidance on life’s defining decisions. She also witnessed his lifelong commitment to learning and service when, after retiring as a Lay Reader at the age of 70, he enrolled for theological training and was ordained as a Reverend in the Church of Uganda. 

Following his ordination, Rev. Sserwadda was posted to Central Buganda Diocese, where he quickly initiated a project aimed at improving the welfare of elderly people.
Through coffee seedling grafting and the establishment of a coffee plantation, he envisioned creating a sustainable source of income to support senior citizens in the diocese. 

Throughout his ministry, Rev. Sserwadda founded 17 churches, including All Saints Church Kanyeganyegye. Before his passing, he expressed his desire to see a larger church built for the congregation.

That dream was fulfilled just one year after his death through the generosity of Col. Nakalema’s friends, who constructed a magnificent new church in his honour. 

The idea for My Father and I was born six months after Rev. Sserwadda’s passing. As Col. Nakalema reflected on his life, she realised that her own journey, and those of her siblings, had been deeply intertwined with his.

She embarked on a mission to document not only her personal memories, but also the testimonies of family members, friends, parishioners and colleagues who encountered him throughout his life. 

The result is a compelling portrait of a man whose life exemplified intentional fatherhood, servant leadership and unwavering faith. The book explores how one parent’s consistent presence and values can transform families, build communities and leave a legacy that endures long after death. 

In addition to celebrating her father’s life, My Father and I offers readers a rare glimpse into Col. Nakalema’s own remarkable journey in public service.

Drawing from the close relationship she maintained with her father through daily phone conversations, she shares personal reflections from her years serving as Personal Assistant to the President of Uganda, as well as her experiences providing close protection to visiting heads of state, first ladies and Uganda’s First Lady.

She credits the First Lady with mentoring and preparing her in diplomacy, leadership and other life skills that complemented her military training. 

Nakalema embarked on a mission to document not only her personal memories, but also the testimonies of family members, friends, parishioners and colleagues who encountered him throughout his life. 

My Father and I is more than a memoir. It is a celebration of family, faith, leadership and purpose, and a timely reminder of the transformative power of committed parenting and selfless service to society. 

The ceremony at Protea Hotel in Kampala attracted hundreds.

Dignitaries included Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo, Church of Uganda Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Emeritus Henry Luke Orombi, cabinet ministers, legislators and senior officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

About the author 

Colonel Edith Nakalema is a senior officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and currently serves as the Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), a government initiative established to support investors by addressing bottlenecks and improving Uganda’s investment climate. 

She has previously served in various strategic roles within the military, including providing close protection to high-level dignitaries such as visiting heads of state and Uganda’s First Lady, experiences that shaped her skills in security, diplomacy, and protocol. She also served as Personal Assistant to the President of Uganda, where she was involved in high-level coordination and administrative duties at State House. 

Col. Nakalema holds academic training in financial management and has built a career that combines military service, public administration, and investment facilitation.

Nakalema welcomes the Vice President Alupo.

Known for her disciplined leadership style, she has played a big role in promoting investor confidence and streamlining engagement between government and the private sector through SHIPU. 

She holds a diploma in business studies from Makerere University Business School and a Bachelor's degree in Procurement and Logistics Management (BPLM) from Nkumba University. She also holds a master of Security Strategy (MASS) from Makerere University. 

Furthermore, she did basic military training at Kabamba and the Officer Cadet Course in Jinja Barracks (the current Senior Staff and Command College, Kimaka). She later undertook the Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC21) at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, Shrivenham. 

She did the National Security and Strategic Studies course, intake-one, at the National Defence College of Uganda (NCDC-U1).  

Beyond her official duties, she is married to Lt. Col. Jimmy Asizua, with whom they have both biological and adopted children. She is passionate about parenting, mentorship and leadership development. 

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Below is a picture highlight from the function as captured by multimedia journalist Eddie Ssejjoba;