The Makerere University community on Saturday 5th May 2012 paid tribute to Prof. William Senteza Kajubi a renowned scholar and two- time Vice Chancellor of Makerere University (1977-1979, 1990-1993).
At the funeral service held in the Makerere University Main hall, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Venansius Baryamureeba described Prof. Senteza Kajubi as a distinguished alumnus, a renowned scholar and great grand father of education in Uganda. Prof. Baryamureeba credited Prof. Senteza Kajubi for his instrumental role in the formation of the collegiate system at Makerere University.
Representing the former Vice Chancellors of Makerere University, Prof. Livingstone Luboobi informed the congregation that he had greatly benefited from the wise counsel of his colleague, the late Prof. Senteza Kajubi. The fallen Professor had a great heart for colleagues who wanted to enhance their career aspirations. Professor Luboobi said that the late encouraged him to pursue further studies and he will always remember him as a friend and mentor.
The Chancellor Makerere University, Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera remembered the late Prof. Senteza Kajubi as man of remarkable achievement and one who dined with both royalty and the masses. “Prof. Senteza Kajubi’s significant quality was frankness. In the course of his duty, he did not mind if he annoyed you. He would meet you and say, I annoyed you on a matter of principle,” eulogised Professor Kagonyera.
Mrs. Elizabeth K.M. Gabona, the Director Higher Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports and the representative of the Ministry on the Makerere University Council represented the Minister of Education and Sports, Honourable Jessica Alupo.
In the condolence message read by Mrs. Gabona, Hon Alupo noted that Prof. Senteza Kajubi had played crucial roles in the development of Uganda’s education system.
“Prof. Senteza Kajubi was behind the establishment of Universal Primary Education and his white paper from the Education Commission Review of 1993 forms the backbone for many of the reforms in the education sector seen today. He also served in different capacities at Makerere University, Kyambogo University and Nkumba University where he imparted great knowledge and experience in these institutions,” read the message.
In the speeches, academicians, colleagues and friends eulogised the fallen Professor for being extremely courageous when defending policies and values for the benefit of humanity and above all a person who was open to diversity. Prof. Senteza Kajubi inspired many, he was sociable and there was no doubt that his legacy would live on.
During the service led by Rev. Canon Dr. Johnson Ebong, the Chapain, St. Francis Chapel, the congregation was urged to reflect on the good deeds of Prof.Senteza Kajubi and thank the Almighty God-His creator for his life and admirable works. Professor Elly Sabiiti from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences took the First reading from Ecclesiastes 3:1-14. Dr. Jessica N. Aguti from the College of Education and External Studies took the Second reading from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
His son, Kato Kajubi, on behalf of the family thanked Makerere University for having honoured their father with a Bust at the School of Education whilst he was alive and recapped the fond memories of their stay at Makerere University. The family also said that the contribution received from Makerere University would go towards the Nnalongo Scholarship Fund-for disadvantaged citizens.
The congregation was then invited to view the body as the team from St. Francis Chapel sang a befitting hymn, “It is well, with my soul….”
The late professor who passed away on 1st May 2012 was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Maya, off Masaka Road on Saturday afternoon.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Download the Vice Chancellor’s condolence message.
View the last respects to Prof. Senteza Kajubi.
By: Ms Sheila Mwebaze, Communication Officer, College of Education and External Studies and Ritah Namisango, Makerere University Public Relations Office