Prof. Ssekamwa’s death marks the end of a remarkable academic career spanning more than five decades, during which he played a central role in shaping Uganda’s education sector.
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Uganda is mourning the death of a renowned educationist, historian, and author Prof. John Chrysostom Ssekamwa, whose burial programme has been officially released following his passing.
Prof. Ssekamwa died in the early hours of Monday morning at Mengo Hospital in Kampala after a prolonged battle with cancer. According to a family member, Tom Ssekamwa, the distinguished scholar had been admitted to the hospital for about a month prior to his death.
His body is currently lying at the hospital mortuary and will be transferred on Wednesday to Rubaga Cathedral for a requiem Mass scheduled for 2:00 PM. After the mass, the body will be taken to Lutisi along Hoima Road, where it will lie in state overnight ahead of burial on Thursday at 2:00 PM at his ancestral home.
Prof. Ssekamwa’s death marks the end of a remarkable academic career spanning more than five decades, during which he played a central role in shaping Uganda’s education sector. He joined Makerere University in 1968 as a lecturer in the Department of History before moving to the Faculty of Education, where he trained generations of teachers.
He rose through the academic ranks to become a full Professor of Education in 1990 and later served as Dean of the Faculty of Education from 1993 to 2004. After his tenure at Makerere, he continued his academic service at Nkumba University as Professor and Dean of the School of Education, Humanities and Sciences.
A prolific writer, Prof. Ssekamwa authored several influential books, including History and Development of Education in Uganda and A History of Education in East Africa, as well as numerous works on Buganda culture, indigenous religion, and traditional systems of governance.
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He also reached a wider audience through educational broadcasts on Central Broadcasting Service (CBS), where he shared insights from his writings in local languages, helping to popularize history and cultural knowledge.
Throughout his career, he mentored thousands of students, including prominent figures such as late Prof. Sulaiman Kiggundu and Prof. Badru Kateregga. Many have credited him with shaping their academic and professional journeys.
Tributes have begun pouring in from scholars, former students, and cultural leaders, who describe him as a towering intellectual figure whose work preserved Uganda’s historical heritage and influenced education policy and practice.
As preparations for his burial continue, educational institutions and cultural centers across the country are expected to honor his legacy, remembering him as a dedicated teacher, respected scholar, and humble mentor committed to lifelong service in education.
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