Frank Nabwiso: A Life of Service, Scholarship, and Leadership

Dr Frank Nabwiso, an eminent Ugandan scholar, politician, and educator, passed away at the age of 84 on December 13, 2024, at the Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono. Born in 1940 at Bugembe Maternity Centre to Ezekiel Kijja Bulima and Eseza Ruth Matama, Nabwiso’s life journey was marked by relentless dedication to education, community service, and national development. Nabwiso began his education at Jinja Sub-Grade, now St James Senior Secondary School. He proceeded to Kamuli Junior Secondary School and later Busoga College Mwiri, where his academic prowess became evident .He continued his studies at Kyambogo Teachers College, graduating as a Grade III teacher. On October 1, 1962, he became the first Musoga to anchor Lusoga news on Radio Uganda, a significant milestone in promoting local languages in media. His ambition drove him to pursue further education, and he enrolled at Makerere University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science in 1967.

Later that year, he received a scholarship to Sussex University in the UK, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Development Studies in 1969.
In pursuit of academic excellence, Nabwiso earned his PhD in Adult Education and Rural Development from Wisconsin Madison University, completing it on August 10, 1976.Nabwiso returned to Uganda and joined Makerere University as a Resident Tutor, succeeding Prof Apollo Nsibambi. His career later took him to Nairobi, where he worked for the International Planned Parenthood Federation as a Regional Education Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa. His role saw him coordinate educational initiatives across the region.

During his time in Nairobi, Nabwiso became deeply involved in Uganda’s political transition. He joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in 1984 and served as the Secretary for the External Wing. In 1985, he played a crucial role as the secretary of the peace talks in Nairobi between Gen Tito Okello Lutwa’s government and the NRA, led by Yoweri Museveni. In 1987, he was appointed Executive Director of the Uganda Export Promotion Council, serving for five years. He also served as the second Director of the AIDS Information Centre for three years, championing efforts against the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In 2001, Nabwiso was elected Member of Parliament for Kagoma County, serving a single term. He continued his advocacy for multiparty democracy and in 2008 was appointed Secretary of the Inter-Party Cooperation, an alliance of key political parties including UPC, FDC, DP, CP, and JEEMA.In 2013, Nabwiso was appointed Acting Vice Chairperson of Busoga University. He also volunteered at a Jinja-based Cultural research center under Jinja Diocese, dedicating his time to knowledge-sharing and mentorship.A devoted family man, Nabwiso is survived by nine children, including Jonathan and Mathew Nabwiso, three of whom were adopted. Dr Frank Nabwiso’s life was a testament to the power of education, resilience, and service.

He leaves behind a legacy of impactful leadership and unwavering dedication to his country and community.

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