Yet even as bishop, his relationship with UCU continued. The House of Bishops appointed him to the University’s Council, where he contributed to governance and development initiatives.
For retired Bishop James William Ssebaggala, the story of his life and ministry cannot be told without mentioning Bishop Tucker Theological College and its successor, Uganda Christian University (UCU). From the stories he heard as a child about the institution to his years as a student, leader, alumnus, council member and bishop, the two institutions played a central role in shaping his faith, leadership, education and lifelong commitment to service.
His connection to Bishop Tucker began long before he set foot on the campus as a student. Growing up in Bugerere as the son of Rev. George Asaph Walusimbi, a parish priest, Ssebaggala often listened to his father’s recollections of studying at the theological college.
“My father frequently talked about the college because he had studied there. He told us how they were trained and how different the institution was in those days. Some of the buildings were still grass-thatched,” he recalls.
Thousands Forced to Stay Home as Ebola Stops Namugongo Pilgrimage
Those stories sparked his curiosity about the institution at an early age.
After completing his primary education, Ssebaggala joined Bishop Senior School in Mukono for his Ordinary Level studies. During that period, trainee clergy from Bishop Tucker regularly visited the school to teach Religious Education through Scripture Union activities. The encounters further strengthened his admiration for the college.
“We would occasionally visit the college, and I was always impressed by its environment. It had beautiful scenery, plenty of trees, and a peaceful atmosphere,” he remembers.
Although ministry was not his immediate path after school, God seemed to have other plans.
Following his Senior Four education in 1981, Ssebaggala pursued studies in surveying and was later posted to the Mukono Land Office, where he worked for two years. Yet while serving in government, he felt a growing conviction that he was being called into ministry.
Rev. Prof. Kitayimbwa Reflects on UCU’s 113-Year Legacy of Excellence
“I felt deep within me that God was calling me to serve Him. Once I became certain, I did not hesitate,” he says.
At the age of 23, he enrolled at Bishop Tucker Theological College to pursue a Diploma in Theology. The experience introduced him to students from diverse backgrounds. While he was among the younger students, many of his classmates were older men, some with families, who had returned to study after careers in civil service.
Despite the age differences, he enjoyed every moment of college life.
As a student, he became actively involved in leadership and sports, serving as Games Minister throughout his three years at the college.
His time at Bishop Tucker coincided with a significant chapter in the history of the Anglican Church in Uganda. When he joined the college in 1982, Mukono was still under Namirembe Diocese. Before his ordination, however, Mukono was elevated into an independent diocese.
“When ordination came, some deacons were assigned to Namirembe while others, including myself, remained under the newly established Mukono Diocese,” he says.
Police Directors Exit as Contracts Expire Amid Proposed Force Restructuring
The late Bishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo became the first Bishop of Mukono Diocese and later rose to serve as Archbishop of the Church of Uganda.
At a time when few clergy possessed diploma-level theological qualifications, Ssebaggala’s educational background stood out. Combined with his surveying skills and passion for youth ministry, it opened doors to leadership within the diocese.
Bishop Nkoyoyo entrusted him with several responsibilities, including serving as head of youth ministry, head of the diocesan lands department, and parish priest.
“As a young priest, I enjoyed ministry and the opportunities to serve,” he says.
After serving for several years, he married in 1991 and continued to grow in ministry.
In 1997, he returned to Bishop Tucker to pursue a Bachelor of Divinity degree. Unknown to him, he was about to witness one of the most important transformations in the institution’s history.
That same year, Bishop Tucker Theological College became Uganda Christian University (UCU).
“It was a remarkable transition,” he recalls. “The institution was changing from a theological college into a fully-fledged university.”
At that time, he was serving as the Social Affairs Minister among the students. The new university structure introduced student guild leadership, replacing the simpler leadership systems that existed at the theological college.
When elections for the first Guild Government were held, Ssebaggala was elected the inaugural Guild Speaker of Uganda Christian University.
“It was not an easy responsibility because everything was new. We were laying foundations and creating systems that did not previously exist.”
The transition also brought a new and more diverse student population. Unlike the theological college, which primarily trained clergy, UCU now welcomed students from disciplines such as law, business, education, and social sciences.
The change transformed campus life.
“Previously, students were mainly theological students preparing for ministry. The university environment introduced different perspectives and ways of thinking, which required new approaches to leadership.”
As Guild Speaker, Ssebaggala often found himself presiding over lively debates, particularly involving law students.
“They were highly articulate and loved debate. Managing guild assemblies was challenging, but it taught me important leadership lessons.”
He credits university administrators such as Bishop Dunstan Kopoliano Bukenya, then Registrar, and Bishop Eliphaz Maari, the Acting Vice Chancellor, for successfully steering the institution through its formative years.
In 2000, Ssebaggala graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree. He later obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education while serving as parish priest of Namuyenje Parish.
His commitment to learning did not end there.
When he was appointed Mukono Diocesan Secretary in 2002, he realized that effective leadership required strong administrative skills. Once again, UCU became part of his journey as he enrolled for a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Management.
The qualification proved invaluable in subsequent roles, including serving as Executive Director of Mission for All (MIFA), a non-governmental organization focused on supporting vulnerable children.
Through MIFA, he helped rehabilitate street children, support orphans, return children to school, and reunite families.
Dr. Protazio Sande Appointed Acting CEO of Insurance Regulatory Authority
“The management skills I acquired helped me tremendously in that work,” he says.
On September 19, 2010, Ssebaggala was elected the fourth Bishop of Mukono Diocese, a milestone that crowned decades of faithful service.
Yet even as bishop, his relationship with UCU continued.
The House of Bishops appointed him to the University’s Council, where he contributed to governance and development initiatives. His surveying expertise led to his involvement in the UCU Holding Company and the Planning and Development Committee.
Looking back, Ssebaggala sees Bishop Tucker and UCU as institutions that shaped nearly every stage of his life.
“I have watched this institution grow from a theological college into a respected university. I have been part of that journey as a student, leader, alumnus, council member, and bishop.”
He praises the university’s steady development under successive leaders, including Bishop Eliphaz Maari, Prof. Stephen Noll, Rev. Canon Dr. John Senyonyi, and Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, its current Vice Chancellor.
As he reflects on a lifetime of ministry and leadership, Bishop Ssebaggala remains grateful for the role the institution has played in his personal and professional growth.
“God used Bishop Tucker and Uganda Christian University to prepare me for service. They shaped my faith, my leadership, and my understanding of ministry. Looking back, I can only thank God for the journey.”