_{By Eve Nakyanzi and Ritah Namisango}

Makerere University with deep sorrow received the news of the passing of one of its staff members, Mr. Besweri Wandera, on 19^th July 2025. At the time of his death, Mr. Wandera was serving as an Assistant Lecturer at the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS). Affectionately known as “Bessy” by many of his colleagues, he was a devoted teacher, scholar, and researcher. He was pursuing his PhD at Kenyatta University.

In his condolence message, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, relatives, and friends. He noted that Mr. Besweri was one of the most senior members of staff in the Department of Sports Science. “A pioneer in the Bachelor of Sports Science at Makerere University, who began his academic journey as a Teaching Assistant in 2006,” he said. Prof. Nawangwe commended him for the selfless life he led, highlighting the nature of his passing. “His passing while serving as a Master of Ceremonies at a colleague’s funeral is a poignant reflection of the selfless life he led, one rooted in service to others,” he remarked. He encouraged mourners to draw strength from the words of Isaiah 41:10, which speaks of God’s presence and assurance in times of fear and trouble

The Principal CoNAS, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, who also spoke on behalf of the Makerere Multipurpose Cooperative Society where Mr. Wandera held member number 035, described his passing as a loss of a historic member of the society.

Prof. Ireeta conveyed his heartfelt condolences in a message read by the Deputy Principal CoNAS, Prof. Juma Kasozi. He praised Mr. Besweri as a dedicated academician who committed his time to teaching and research at Makerere University. “He was an active player in curriculum review and development in the department,” the Principal noted, adding that “he has been one of the most senior and core members of staff at the department.”

Prof. Anthony Muwagga Mugagga, Principal of the College of Education and External Studies (CEES), where Mr. Besweri served as Head of Physical Education, also expressed his sympathies to the bereaved family. At CEES, Mr. Besweri was teaching over 450 students. “Death is so painful,” he shared, reflecting on the loss of his own father and encouraging the children of the deceased to continue trusting in God, just as their father had. He further urged attendees to prioritize regular health check-ups, revealing that Mr. Besweri succumbed to high blood pressure.

Dr. Sandra Kasoma, Acting Head of the Department of Sports Science, recalled how privileged the department felt to have welcomed Mr. Wandera back as a member of the teaching staff, describing him as both hardworking and intelligent. “Bessy allowed his students to refer to him as ‘bouncer’ as a way of creating a close relationship of love and not fear. He was not only a teacher but also a father and a counsellor to his students and he always counselled those who were going astray,” she said. Referring to 2^nd Timothy 4:7, she added that “Bessy has fought a good fight, and completed his race.”

In a condolence message from Kenyatta University, Dr. Francis M. Mwangi, Mr. Wandera’s thesis supervisor, described him as “a dedicated teacher, a scholar and researcher.” Dr. Mwangi added, “he was an amiable and generous individual whose presence enriched the academic community.”

His children paid tribute to him as a generous, loving, and hardworking father. “Dad has been a perfect dad; he has loved us and provided for us. He has been a true dad,” one of his sons said. They thanked him for raising them in the fear of God and pledged to uphold his values. Mr. Wandera is survived by eight biological children.

“I thank God that I was married to Mr. Besweri Wandera. He has been a very good husband,” said his widow, Everlyn Hayoko Nanyanga. She expressed gratitude to all mourners for their support during this difficult time.

The funeral service, held on 21^st July 2025 at St. Francis Chapel, Makerere University, was led by Rev. Musa Baluku Syamutsangira. His central message emphasized faith in Jesus Christ who triumphed over death. “Though Besweri is gone, he believed in God and His son, Jesus Christ,” Rev. Baluku preached, adding, “We are comforted that Besweri will resurrect.”

Among the mourners were members of the University Management, including the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi; the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta; the Dean of the School of Biosciences at CoNAS, Assoc. Prof. Arthur K. Tugume; the Head of the Department of Biochemistry at CoNAS, Dr. Agnes Nandutu; and Dr. Douglas Bamweyana.

Representatives from the British Council were also present to pay their last respects.
The Department of Sports Science was represented by Dr. Bernadette Nakabazzi, and Dr. Sarah Kasoma.