Makerere University pays tribute to late Prof. J. C Ssekamwa
Professor Ssekamwa enjoyed a remarkable academic career spanning over 55 years, during which he profoundly influenced generations of Ugandans.
Mourners at Makerere University St. Augustine Chapel, for a requiem mass for Prof. John C. Ssekamwa. (Courtesy: MUK)
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Makerere University, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe have paid a glowing tribute to Professor John Chrysostom Ssekamwa, a renowned educationist.
A Professor of Education, he died on April 20, 2026, at Mengo Hospital in Kampala, succumbing to cancer.
The tributes from the University: management, academicians, alumni and current students were delivered on Wednesday, April 22, during the requiem mass at St Augustine Chapel, Makerere. Mass was led by Fr Richard Sseremba.
"We gathered to say the final farewell to Prof. Ssekamwa, one of the most humble and simple academics I have known, who worked diligently for Makerere University and authored more than 60 books on Education in English and Luganda," reads a post from Nawangwe's social media X.
Makerere University community led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe at St Augustine Chapel, for a requiem mass for Prof. John C. Ssekamwa. (Courtesy)
(Courtesy: MUK)
Born on 29th Nov. 1935, Prof. Ssekamwa served as Dean, School of Education (1992-1994, 1994-2000). He retired from Makerere in 2004.
Principal Prof. Anthony Mugagga of Makerere College of Education and External Studies said that Prof. Ssekamwa "will be remembered as a gallant alumnus, dedicated member of faculty, and prolific writer and researcher with over 60 books in English, Luganda and other languages."
Different eulogies hailed Prof. Ssekamwa for his humility, simplicity, hard work, honesty, discipline and punctuality. He was also a counsellor and mentor to many.
Burial is set for Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm at his ancestral home in Lutisi along Hoima Road.
More about Prof. Ssekamwa career
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 and retired in 2004.
He later joined Nkumba University, where he served as Professor and Dean of the School of Education, Humanities and Sciences.