Makerere holds inaugural Prof. Walusimbi memorial lecture

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Even after seven years since his demise, Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi, who served for a long time as a don at Makerere University, still oozes enormous influence. 

He is remembered with even greater admiration for his visionary scholarship and championship of Ugandan indigenous language education and preservation.

A spectacle of the key-note discussants: Prof Abas Kiyimba (left), Dr Prosperous Nankindu (second-left), and Dr Ronald Kizito (third-left). (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Walusimbi’s influence was acknowledged with even deeper conviction by Makerere University vice-chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, during the former’s maiden memorial lecture at the university on February 27, 2025.

 “In reflecting on Prof. Walusimbi’s legacy, we see a scholar whose work in linguistics, spanning phonology, syntax and language policy, has profoundly influenced contemporary linguistic theory. His seminal research, including studies on relative clauses in Luganda, has provided an invaluable foundation for ongoing scholarly inquiry and innovation in the field. Moreover, his advocacy for language rights and his efforts to secure the recognition of Ugandan languages in formal educational and governmental settings underscore his broader vision, a vision in which linguistic diversity is celebrated and where every language is given the respect and opportunity it deserves,” Nawangwe said.

He added that Walusimbi’s contributions at Makerere University extend beyond his exemplary academic achievements: "As a Director of the Institute of Languages, he broadened the academic horizon by incorporating other Ugandan languages such as Runyakitara, Ateso and Luo into the curriculum. His efforts were not solely confined to the realm of higher education.

A spectacle of the audience during the progression of the inaugural memorial lecture for Prof Livingstone Walusimbi at Makerere University on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Recognising the importance of community engagement, he established platforms like the Baganda Nkoba Za Mbogo Students’ association and co-founded the Luganda Language Society, Ekibiina ky’Olulimi Oluganda.

These initiatives not only nurtured linguistic scholarship but also promoted cultural pride and heritage among generations of Ugandans. His persistent outreach, whether through radio talk-shows, newspaper columns in Bukedde, or translation that brought official documents into indigenous languages has indelibly shaped the cultural and educational landscape in our nation.”

Former Katikkiro of Buganda Joseph Mulwanyammuli Ssemwogerere, who was the chief guest, also paid flowery tributes to Prof Walusimbi.

“As an academician, he will always be remembered as a person who selflessly promoted African languages and our Ugandans' indigenous languages. At that time, when many people considered these languages unworthy of university scholarships, he stood firm and outargued them. The Professors and Doctors of African languages we have today are a testimony that Professor Walusimbi proved the sceptics wrong.”

Walusimbi was also praised by his daughter Dr Alice Nabalamba. “Makerere University was not just his workplace but also his second home. Teaching was not just his profession, it was his calling. He dedicated his life to education, mentoring generations of students and instilling in them the belief that language is not just about words, it is about identity, heritage and connection. He firmly believed that a people without their language risk losing their very essence. That is why he was so passionate about preserving and promoting African languages". 

Dr Alice Nabalamba paying tribute to her dad Prof. Livingstone Walusimbi. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

"His advocacy reached UNESCO, where he worked with global experts to protect endangered languages. He knew that when a language fades, so does the history, wisdom and spirit of its people. He carried his wisdom with him everywhere, offering it freely to anyone who needed it,” Nabalamba added.

Earlier, key-note speaker Margaret Nankinga (the Co-ordinator Luganda, Lusoga, Lugwere – The Academy of African Languages, African Union), called for the development of robust language policies that preserve and promote the use of indigenous languages across all spheres of public and educational life.

Miss Margaret Nankinga (second-left) exposes the souvenir gift given to him by Prof Barnabas Nawangwe (left) as Dr Fred Masagazi Masaazi (third-left) and Prof Muyanda Birevu (right) cheer. This was during the inaugural memorial lecture of Prof Livingstone Walusmbi at Makerere University on Thursday, February 27, 2024. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Others who paid tribute to Walusimbi, include Prof Anthony Muwagga Mugagga (principal, College of Education and External Studies), Prof Fred Masagazi Masaazi (chairperson, organising committee) and Dr Anthony Wamala (Buganda kingdom minister for traditional affairs, tourism, palaces and security), Prof Paul Muyanda Birevu and the discussants who included Dr Prosperous Nankindu, Dr Ronald Kizito and Prof Abas Kiyimba.

But the event would probably not have been all that colourful without the students’ musical ensemble of Buddo SS, which sang well-choreographed and action-packed songs in memorial honour of Prof Walusimbi.