Late Prof. JB Kwesiga eulogised, laid to rest in Rukiga district
RUKIGA, March 20, 2025 – Assoc. Prof. Jassy Bagyendera Kwesiga, regarded as the father of civil society in Uganda, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Nyakihanga village, Kamwezi, in Rukiga district on Tuesday, following his passing on March 13, 2025 at the age of 85.
Prof. Kwesiga was pronounced dead on arrival at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after succumbing to multiple organ failure, following brain surgery at the same hospital earlier.
Marx Rukundo, the late professor’s eldest son, shared that his father’s illness was discovered as far back as 2016 when he travelled to India for medical check-ups.
He urged the people of Kigezi to adopt good eating habits and engage in regular exercise, much like his father had done, which contributed to his long life despite numerous health challenges.
“This is something we should focus on. Despite dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia, and more, 99.4 percent of his life was good because he was disciplined with eating and exercise,” Rukundo advised the mourners who attended his father’s burial.
He also encouraged relatives and friends to invest in social capital and networking, just as Prof. Kwesiga had, noting that his network of friends and relatives came forward to help with medical expenses.
“30-40 percent of the bills at Nakasero were covered by friends and relatives. What was interesting is that many of these supporters were people we had never met before,” he added.
His children expressed their gratitude to their mother, Prof. Joy Constance Mafigiri Kwesiga, for her unwavering love and support throughout her husband’s illness, despite her demanding roles as Vice Chancellor of Kabale University and Chairperson of the National Council for Higher Education [NCHE].
First Lady Janet Museveni pays tribute to Prof. Kwesiga
The Minister for Education and Sports, and First Lady, Janet Kataaha Museveni, paid tribute to the late Kwesiga, recognising his significant contributions to adult education in Uganda, particularly at Makerere University.
In a letter presented by Mukwatampora Muzamil, the Commissioner in the Department of Higher Education, Janet Museveni described Prof. Kwesiga as a pillar of civil society who played a key role in establishing a vibrant NGO sector, especially in the field of human rights.
“As a nation, we have lost a highly valuable asset. Prof. JB Kwesiga was a civil society expert who helped establish a vibrant NGO sector, particularly focusing on human rights,” the First Lady stated.
She also acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Kwesiga’s wife, Prof. Joy Constance Kwesiga, the Vice Chancellor of Kabale University, for her exceptional service to higher education. “Your contributions to Uganda will not go unnoticed, from your service at Makerere University to your stewardship at Kabale University and your role at the National Council for Higher Education. Your work in higher education is invaluable,” Kataaha remarked.
The First Lady extended financial support of Shs 20 million towards the burial arrangements.
Hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their final respects to Prof. Kwesiga in Nyahihanga, Kamwezi Sub-County, Rukiga District.
Dignitaries present included Rukiga LCV Chairperson Robert Mbabazi, Rubanda LCV Chairperson Stephen Kasyaba, parliamentary hopefuls Evelyne Kikafunda, Enid Origumisiriza, and Elvis Twenda, Kabale Central Division Chairperson Sam Alinaitwe, and Prof. Charles Kwesiga, among others.
The funeral service was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, alongside Emeritus Bishops Rt. Rev. George Katwesigye, Rt. Rev. William Rukirande, and Rt. Rev. Enock Kayeye.
Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, described Prof. Kwesiga as an international figure who, despite his global stature, deeply valued his family. He urged parents to educate their children if they wish to see them achieve what Prof. Kwesiga had.
“He was blessed to see his children and his grandchildren. He studied books, became an international figure, trained many people, and during his service, he embraced what God had planned for him,” he said.
Who was Jassy Bagyendera Kwesiga?
Prof. Kwesiga was born on February 29, 1940 to Rev. Musa and Ederina Bagyendera. He was married to Prof. Joy Constance Mafigiri Kwesiga, and they are survived by nine children and 23 grandchildren.
Prof. Kwesiga’s legacy and education
According to his wife, Kwesiga was a man of the people who always took the time to connect with others. “He would always ask where someone was from, and by the end of the conversation, they would become great friends,” Constance said.
She noted that he spoke Rukiga fluently due to his upbringing at his late grandfather’s home in Bukinda, Kabale.
She described him as a dedicated teacher who had trained many individuals, especially within adult education and civil society. “Many people passed through his hands, particularly in the NGO world and adult education,” she said.
Prof. Kwesiga’s educational background included primary education at Bukinda Rukiga, junior education at Kigezi High School Kabale, and senior education at Busoga College Mwiri.
He pursued pre-degree studies at Makerere University and went on to complete a postgraduate diploma in adult education at the University of Edinburgh, followed by a Master’s Degree in Adult Education at the University of London.
Career and contributions
Prof. Kwesiga served as an Associate Professor at Makerere University in the Institute of Adult and Continuing Education. He was also the Executive Director of DENIVA (Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Associations), a network of local NGOs founded in 1988. After retiring from DENIVA in 2012, he continued to play consultancy and advisory roles within the wider civil society sector.
His expertise was valued both nationally and internationally, reflected in frequent invitations to facilitate workshops, serve on boards, vet proposals for funding, evaluate programmes, and participate in human resource recruitment. He held various positions at both board and advisory levels and attended numerous national and international conferences on topics such as social development, NGO management, advocacy, and civil society.
Prof. Kwesiga had a particular interest in developing partnerships between the state, civil society, and the private sector, without compromising the autonomy or people-centred approach of civil society. He also wrote and presented several papers on diverse topics, and supervised various research projects.
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