On 31^st May 2019, Makerere University leadership together with staff and students paid tribute to their former; Chancellor and Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Prof. Apolo Robin Nsibambi. The Fare thee well ceremony was also attended by the family and friends of the deceased, government officials and the clergy. Prof. Nsibambi was the first non-Head-of-State Chancellor of Makerere University, a position he held from October 2003 to October 2007.

He attained his first degree from Makerere University (Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with Honors). He taught at Makerere University during the 1960s and thereafter served as the Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences from 1978 until 1983 and from 1985 until 1987. He was appointed Head of the Department of Political Science at Makerere University in 1987, a position he held until 1990. He was Director of Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) from 1994 to 1996.

Prof. Nsibambi will always be remembered for his love for Makerere University, the nation and humanity at large. During his tenure as the Dean Faculty of Social Science, he was able to record tremendous developments that formidably shaped the department of Political Science.

His vigorous contribution to research through teaching, writing and publication, securing grants and finances to enhance the potential of the Institute of Social Research at Makerere University is a strong point to celebrate the life of Prof. Nsibambi. He was an academic and accomplished scholar. His area of interest focused on land tenures, chiefdom, freedom, peace and economics; this can evidently be seen through his publications and public lectures.

He was a man who loved Makerere University and Uganda at heart and this prompted him to return to Makerere University on several occasions to remind staff and students of the importance of the institution in producing knowledge that has changed many societies.   His leadership journey at Makerere University is admirable. Prof. Nsibambi is a gentleman who loved peace and harmony to prevail amongst his fellow people.

At the funeral service that was organized in the Makerere University Main Hall on 31st May 2019, Prof. Ezra Suruma, the Chancellor of Makerere University described the fallen colleague as a man of valor who fought for justice and peace in the country.

Borrowing Shakespeare’s quote, Prof. Suruma referred to Prof. Nsibambi as, gentleman when he said, “His life was gentle and the elements so well mixed in him; that nature itself might stand up and say: That was a man.”

Prof. Suruma said that he will always respect the excellent and professional relationship   he had with Prof. Nsibambi.

“When I was a Senior Lecturer Faculty of Social Science, Prof Nsibambi was my Dean. Also during my term as the Minister Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Prof Nsibambi was the Prime Minister of Uganda. I honor him as my academic colleague, as my Dean, as my leader in Parliament, as my predecessor as Chancellor and as a gentle and humane soul and citizen,” he said.

The Chairperson of Makerere University Council, Mrs. Lorna Magara noted that the late Prof. Nsibambi was a man who served Makerere University with diligence. He was a dedicated employee and wished others well.

“His distinguished service led to his appointment as the first non- Head of –State Chancellor where he worked closely with the University Council to ensure quality Service to the students, staff and University Community,” remarked Ms. Lorna Magara.

She praised Prof. Nsibambi for his humility, punctuality and outstanding eloquent speeches. She urged his children and family members to carry on Prof. Nsibambi’s good deeds.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Nawangwe laid out the characteristics of integrity that Prof. Nsibambi cited in the keynote address he delivered at Bernard Onyango Inaugural Lecture and these included;

•  Know that it is the little things which count (attention to detail)
• If you mess up, confess the mistake and correct it (accountability)
• Keep your word (trust)
• Care about the greater good, i.e. the good of the institution and not the good of the individual
• Be honest and modest
• Act like you are always being watched by others
• Bring close to you those of similar virtues and talents
• Do not be detracted provided you know you are on the right path.

The former Chancellor of Makerere University Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera said that for the past 48 years, he knew Prof. Nsibambi, as a time stickler, a man of excellence and a patriot who not only served Makerere University but also Uganda at large.

He thanked the family, relatives and friends for taking care of Prof. Nsibambi. In a special way Prof. Mondo Kagonyera thanked Mrs. Esther Nsibambi, the wife to Prof. Apolo Nsibambi for staying strong and close to her husband till his last days.

Prof. Sabiiti Makara from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration referred to Prof. Nsibambi as his mentor and also one who mentored many in the field of Political Science.

Referring to Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Rev Asiimwe Onesimus  called upon all Ugandans to prepare for their last journey.  The two sermons were read by Dr. Susan N. Kiguli (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) and Dr. Suzie Nansozi Muwanga (2nd Timothy 4:6-8) respectively. During the service, the congregation listened to befiting christian songs led by staff and students from Department of  Performing Arts  and Film.

On behalf of the family, the children to the late Prof. Apolo Nsibambi- Mrs Lydia Nabaggala Mulondo and Mrs. Juliet Nanteza Kasujja described their father as a man who was an icon of excellence.

“He was a caring and loving dad. He was an honest man who believed in truth. Prof Nsibambi was a smart and tidy person and was always frank,” said Mrs Juliet Nanteza Kasujja.

Mrs Lydia Nabaggala Mulondo thanked Mrs Esther Nsibambi for being a good and loving wife to their dad.

Born  on 25^th October 1940, Prof Nsibambi rested in the Lord on Tuesday 28^th May 2019. He is survived by five children  and a widow, Mrs Esther Nsibambi.

Article by: Mak Public Relations Office