KEY CONTRIBUTORS TO NATION BUILDING IN POST COLONIAL UGANDA

This topic will help the learner understand and evaluate the influence of key personalities

The Political System

1. DR. APOLLO MILTON OBOTE

a. He was born on 28th December 1924 at Akokoro village in Lango, northern Uganda.
b. He was born to a local village chief called Stanley Opeta.
c. He started his education at Lira Protestant School and then to Gulu High School and Busoga College, Mwiri.
d. He then joined Makerere University College in 1948 for an Arts degree which he never completed.
e. In 1949, Obote led a students’ strike in his second year at the university and he was expelled for political activism.
f. After his expulsion, Obote was also denied a Visa by the Colonial government to study abroad.
g. He later joined a British Engineering and Construction firm called Mowlem construction Company based in Jinja.
h. When the company transferred to Kabeta in Kenya, he followed it but left it for Standard Vacuum Oil Company.
i. While in Kenya, he was inspired by members of Mau Mau like Jomo Kenyatta, General China (Waruhiu Itote) and
Dedan Kimathi. He had studied with some of them at Makerere.
j. He stayed in Kenya until 1957 and when he returned to Uganda he was appointed chairman of the Uganda National
Congress (UNC) Lango branch.
k. In 1958, he was elected to the Legco representing Lango and he came one of the vocal members on the council.
l. At the same time, he befriended Ignatius Kangave Musaazi the leader of UNC and Musaazi appointed Obote as UNC
representative in Mbale.
m. Later, Obote sacked Musaazi for travelling to London without the consent of the party.
n. As a result, UNC lost its popularity and Musaazi was exiled in Gulu and later London.
o. Obote then befriended William K Nadiope, a member of the Legco who had formed the Uganda Peoples’ Union (UPU).
p. Nadiope always moved with and introduced Obote as a son of Busoga to the masses but this was a mistake because it
weakened UPU.
q. In 1959, there was a split in UNC and Obote led the anti-Buganda wing.
r. In 1960, he was awarded a honorary degree of Law of Long Island University in U.S.A.
s. On 9th March 1960, UPU merged with Obote’s UNC wing to form the Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC).
t. Obote assumed leadership of the new party with John Kakonge as Secretary General.
u. The party became more popular as more prominent people joined it e.g. Jaberi Bidandi Ssali, Ali Kirunda Kivejinja and
Dani Wadada Nabudere.
v. In the 1961 elections, Obote’s UPC lost to Ben Kiwanuka’s Democratic Party (DP).
w. Kiwanuka became the leader of the Legco and Obote became leader of the opposition.
x. In the Legco, Obote strongly demanded for an advance towards self rule.
y. On 1st March 1961, Uganda became self-governing.
z. in the same year, Obote was among those who attended the London conference where he greatly supported
Buganda’s federal demands.
aa. He was so tactical that he even decided to marry a Muganda lady called Miria Kalule which made him a darling of the
Baganda.
bb. In April 1962, elections were organized and UPC got 37, DP got 24 and Kabaka Yekka (KY) got 21 votes.
cc. Obote decided to ally with KY to form a government and this was a victory for Obote.
dd. On 9th October 1962, Uganda got her independence with Obote as the Prime Minister.
ee. On 10th October 2005, Obote died in a Johannesburg hospital.

PRESIDENT YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI

1. He brought the concept of democracy in Uganda in 1986 when he started the village leadership called
Resistence Council system
2. He carried out a constitutional Assembly that led to formation of 1995 constitution that replaced the 1967
Pigeon Hole Constitution of Uganda.
3. Amin ruled using decrees
 4. He revived Uganda’s economy that had collapsed many years back. He adopted policies like liberalization,
privatization, provision of subsidies
5. In education, he embraced the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education programs
that have given an opportunity to many unable children to go school
6. He has improved the infrastructure he found in place especially the schools, roads, hospitals and the
industries
7. Uganda took a lead internationally in a fight against AIDS/HIV. He used various platforms e.g churches,
TASO, Local government officials, medical officers to campaign successfully against this scourge.
8. He is instrumental in regional peace and security initiatives. Has used the UPDF to help in regional peace
9. He streamlined businesses between Uganda and her neighbours. He fought and reduced smuggling
10. He brought women emancipation. More women worked in corporations, parliament etc
11. He took a lead in the fight and management of COVID-19. Emphasized SOPS (STANDARD OPERATING
PROCEDURES)
12. Fighting and clearing rebel groups in Uganda especially the Lord Resistance Army (LRA), Allied Democratic
Forces (ADF) ETC

The Health System in Uganda

Dr. Matthew Lukwiya
1. He was born in Kitgum in the northern part of Uganda. His father was a fishmonger and mother was a market trader.
2. He studied medicine from Makerere University in 1993 and thereafter he worked with Lacor Hospital.
3. He also studied a master’s degree at Liverpool school of Tropical medicine.
4. It is here that his exceptional medical skills and human qualities were highly identified.
5. He was a leader in a fight against Deadly Ebola virus that struck Uganda in the late 2000. He did not leave his country
for “greener pastures” but instead decided to stay and serve diligently
6. In 1989, he expressed patriotism when LRA rebels attacked Lacor Hospital and when they chose to take the Italian Nun
into captivity he instead offered himself and he was taken to the bush for 7 days, tortured and later dropped back.
7. As he was treating Ebola patients he contracted the virus and died on Tuesday 5th December 2000
8. Known for having encouraged fellow other people to volunteer and treat Ebola patients.
9. The international journalists, experts, reporters and world information service commended him for his compassion,
selfless exemplary leadership against Ebola

Dr. Josephine Nambooze

1. She was born in 1930 at Nsambya, a suburb of Kampala to Joseph Lule and Maria Magdalena Lule
2. She attended mainly missionary schools at Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga and Namilyango College
under special arrangement.
3. She became the first female student to study human medicine at Makerere University Medical school in
1959.
4. She influenced the government to build a female doctor’s hostel. Later the government built Galloway
hostel at Medical school Mulago.
5. She fully participated in teaching of medical students and extended the treatment work in medical centers
in Central Uganda communities.
6. She was the first medical doctor to work at Kasangati teaching Health center of Makerere Medical school.
7. She was the first doctor to head the institute of Public Health at Makerere University Medical School.
8. She is an emeritus professor of Public Health at Medical school Mulago, a researcher, Academician and
Public Health Specialist.
9. Served as a staff of WHO in Botswana, worked at WHO regional office in Brazzaville Congo.
10. Ms. Josephine introduced the service delivery of home visits in Uganda by the community based nurses.
11. She awakened the post independence governments in East Africa about the need to teach science courses
to women as well.

The Education Sector in Uganda

Professor William Senteza Kajubi
1. He was born in Kireku village, Ssingo county in present day Mityana District in 1926.
2. He was educated at Makerere University from 1947 – 1950 and thereafter proceeded to the university of
Chicago in the United States of America.
3. He taught at Kings College Budo and later became a senior lecturer at Makerere University.
4. He was a vice – Chancellor of Makerere University from 1977 – 1979 and 1990
5. He became a principal of Kyambogo Institute of Teacher Education
6. He worked very well towards the development of education systems in many institutions.
7. In 1994, he became the vice chancellor of Nkumba University until his retirement in 2008.
8. In 1962, he was appointed as one of the committee members that created and proposed the great national
symbols i.e national anthem, emblem, colors, court of arms.
9. In 1963, he was a member of Uganda Education Policy Review commission that was chaired by Professor
Edgar Castle that resulted into the 1970 Education Act.
10. As a vice chancellor at Makerere University (1990-1993), he introduced a private scheme program a policy
that gave many students opportunity to become graduates of Makerere University.
11. Between 1987-1989, Professor Kajubi chaired the Education Policy Review Commission that resulted into
the formation of “ The Education White Paper of 1992”
12. In 1994 – 1995, he was elected by the people of Kyadondo North as a delegate in the Constituent Assembly
that resulted into the formation of the 1995 constitution of Uganda

Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire

1. She was born on 17 July 1941 in the Central Region of Uganda.
2. Bitamazire attended Trinity College Nabbingo for her high school education.[4]
3. She went on to obtain a Diploma in education from Makerere University in 1964.
4. She followed that with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967 and a Master of Arts degree in 1987, both from
Makerere University
5. She was the Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute a famous college for post graduate social
science Management courses in Uganda
6. She was minister of education from 1979 to 1980 and again from 2005 to 2011.
7. She also served as the member of parliament representing Mpigi District women in the Ugandan
Parliament from 2001 to 2011
8. She became a head of Tororo Girls School from 1971- 1974. He legacy made the school to be one of
the best schools in the region.
9. Served as a Senior Education Officer 1974 – 1979.
10. She was appointed as a minister of Education in 1979-1980
11. She was later appointed again as a minister of Education 1999-2005 and from 2005 - 2011. He
influence brought in many development partners and education reforms
12. Later she worked with Education Teacher service commission as its Deputy chairperson from 1981-
1996
13. She is recognized as a founding member for the Forum of African Women for Educationists

RELIGIOUS SECTOR

Archbishop Janani Jakaliya Luwum

1. Luwum was born in the village of Mucwini in the Kitgum District to Acholi parents.
2. He attended Gulu High School and Boroboro Teacher Training College, after which he taught at a
primary school. Luwum converted to Christianity in 1948, and in 1949 he went to Buwalasi Theological
College.
3. He encouraged religious leaders to speak out boldly on issues related with the human rights abuse.
4. He lost his life while he was saving the nation from the tyranny of Idd Amin Dada.
 5. Before his death in 1977, he delivered the letter to President Amin with a promise to protest against
arbitrary Killings of masses and unexplained disappearances of Ugandans
6. He was a gospel preacher that offered internal values to violent people, unjust Ugandans and the
deceitful political leaders.
7. He worked as a Parish priest, Chaplain, Tutor, Principal, Provincial Secretary, Bishop of Northern
Uganda Diocese, Arcbishop of the province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Boga-Zaire before he
was killed.
8. He is recognized as a Martyr by the church of England and the whole of Anglican community.

Cardinal Emmanuel Kiwanuka

1. He was born on 5th November 1914 to Felix Nsubuga and Estella Nsubuga at Kisule Village in
Miytana. He studied his primary education in Bukuumi Parish Mubende district now Kibaale.
2. He studied at the Major Seminary at Katigondo and was ordained there on December 15 th 1946.
3. He did pastoral work, worked as Vicar General and Vicar Capitulars in 1966.
4. He was consecrated archbishop of Kampala in 1966.
5. He served as president of the Uganda Episcopal conference from 1967 – 1975.
6. He became a cardinal on May 24th 1976.
7. Participated in both conclaves of 1978.
8. He was a strong defender of human rights abuses. He was a voice of the voiceless.
9. He was a critic of President Amin Dada over abuse of power.
10. He offered himself to mediate in the peace talks in Kenya between NRA and General Tito Okello
Lutwa in 1985.
11. Encouraged the priests and the nuns throughout the country to provide shelter and food to
Ugandans running away from torture and harassment.
12. He created a center that is still running at Nalukolongo to cater for the most elderly persons who
needed care and help

Badru Kakungulu Wasajja

1. He was born on 20th April 1907 and died on 24th April 1991 aged 84 years.
2. Studied from Kibuli Primary School and Kings College Budo.
3. At 14 years, he succeeded his father Prince Mbogo the son of Late King Ssekabaka Suuna II who was
a leader of the Muslim community and commonly referred to as Kabaka for the Muslims.
4. BadruKakungulu continued his father’s legacy as spiritual leader of the muslims in Uganda with his seat
at Kibuli.
5. Kakungulu became the Vice President of East Africa Muslim Welfare Association and contributed
financially to the development of Muslim education.
6. He championed the integration of Western education and the teaching of islam. This helped to raise
employment opportunities in Uganda
7. Champion in search for Islamic funding in Uganda which helped many families that were lacking school
fees to send their children to school.
8. He was the first known Muslim political figure in the country. He kept on bringing many more moslems
closer to the government of Idd Amin
9. His political influence based on Islamic faith made him win favors from President Idd Amin and acquired
a lot of land for Muslims all over Uganda.
10. He is a founding member of Uganda Moslem Education Association (UMEA) in 1936. Schools like Kibili
S.S, Nabisunsa, Kasanda, Kawempe Muslim were all set up on this foundation.
11. After independence, UMEA has since worked with UMSC, UMTA, UMYA,IUIU as well as other Muslim
stakeholders and government to ensure that muslim interests in rducation are well looked after.
12. He was the first chairperson of Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and a founding member in 1972.
13. He offered land for Islamic faith at Kibuli. Here we have Kibuli S.s, Kibuli S.S

Economic Sector in Uganda

James Mulwana
1. James Mulwana was born on 24th July 1936 and died on 15th January 2013.
 2. He attended Mengo Senor School and later studied at Aggrey Memorial School in Kampala.
3. His record in business started in 1961, when he entered the import – export business.
4. In 1967, he set up Uganda Batteries Limited in partnership with Chloride (UK) Limited to manufacture
car batteries locally.
5. In 1970, he established the company that became Nice House of Plastics Limited which manufactures
toothbrushes, household products, pens, packaging, etc
6. He established JESA investment limited. This is a commercial property development company with a
Germany partner to pack milk for sale.
7. In 1950’s he worked at Express Football Club as a team manager.
8. Worked at Express Newspaper as an Advertising Manager
9. In 1960’s he formed Afro Agencies Company that was exporting wooden combs to United Kingdom and
textiles to Japan in the same period he was importing hair wigs.
10. He is the founder of the Horticulture farm at Nsimbe in 1992. Many farmers benchmarked to start other
farms

John Sedrack Batuma

1. Mr. John Batuma was born on 31st December 1927 at Nyamiyaga and died on 1st May 2008 Kabale
District to late Daudi Rujojo and Dorotia Katingiisa.
2. He studied from Kigezi High school and later joined Entebbe veterinary institute where he qualified as a
Veterinary assistant.
3. In 1963, he obtained sponsorship to go to Israel to pursue further studies in veterinary medicine.
4. He became a District Veterinary Assistant in Kabale until 1969 when he resigned from civil service.
5. He guided many community people on how to start dairy farming in the area which was a success.
6. In 1963, he formed the Kigezi African wholesale Company which rose to prominence.
7. He also worked as a board member of most schools and hotels in the area.
8. He was a chairman of Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, kabale branch for several
years.
9. Mr. John Batuma started the Kigezi Dairy cooperative society and the United Dairy Farmers in the
region.
10. He is remembered as the first Ugandan to have ventured into commercial wine making “ Banapo Wine”
11. He is respected as the pioneer man to start livestock farming in welands of Kabale and others followed.
12. He was appointed in 1976 as canon for church of Uganda by the late Bishop Kivengere.
13. He is the founder of Kigezi Dairy Union which brings together Kabale Tukore, Kigezi and the Rukiga
Dairies.

THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

MR. PHILLY BONGOLEY LUTAAYA

He was born on 19th October 1951 in Kampala and died on 15th December 1989 at Nsambya Hospital.

He studied from Kololo Secondary school.

He was the first person in Uganda to stand out of the crowd and he publicly declared that, he has been infected
with the incurable HIV and AIDS disease.

His positive living and campaign against HIV made very many people to come out of hiding and started going to
hospital for medication.

He returned from Sweden in 1988 to Uganda to preach to people about the deadly HIV and AIDS disease that was
killing people world over at that time.

He preached against the uncontrolled sexual behaviors of the youth, talking about the disease in churches, schools,
hotels among others.

His music and activities opened up the nation to start receiving support from the world and encouraged many
people to do testing of HIV
His music about HIV provided a message of hope among the victims. “ Alone and Frightened”

His openness influenced the formation of government official policy towards HIV and AIDS