One of the earliest local administration leaders in 1959, he went to Makerere college then, later university of London and university of Wisconsin in the US. He served from 1967 as secretary of the of the East African Development (EADB) and later in 1973, he was appointed Chairman and Managing Director of the Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB), precursor to the current Stanbic Bank, till 1978. He was the one of the early district Chairmen of Hoima and joined Government as minister for trade and industry in 1989, later as minister for water, lands and environment and eventually public service, retiring as third Deputy Prime Minister. He was very influential in establishing the roots of the NRM in Bunyoro region in the early years and brought one of the religious faiths to an early NRM that had sought to distance itself from all association with religion. He lives in Kitoba, near Hoima and turns 89, this year. His name is Mzee Henry Muganwa Kajura.

One of the early veterinary doctors in Uganda with an influential role in establishing the Makerere university veterinary Department, he straddles between animal medicine, philosophy and politics. He graduated from the University of Nairobi and later the university of California Davis. He takes politics with a keen sense of white and black and often uses his science background to judge social issues. He served Rubabo county in the NRC very well and is now retired producing one of the best fertilizer brands for coffee production. He helped shape the early agricultural policy of NRM as minister and retired as Vice Chancellor of Makerere university. His name is Prof. George Mondo Kagonyera and he turns 82 this year.

He is a doctor of philosophy and at the defeat of Idi Amin in 1979, he became minister for lands until 1980. He returned to teaching at Makerere as head of sociology Department and returned to politics representing Igara in the 1989 elections of the NRC. He served as minister in the Prime Minister’s office, minister for disaster preparedness, Director for external relations at the NRM secretariat, among other positions. He retired recently and along with Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, they are working hard to support the research, growing and certification of our Ugandan green teas which have the immune booster – Anthocyanin. His name Prof Bazaana Tarsis Kabwegyere and turns 82, in April this year.

He is an agricultural scientist who led the research on the effect of Gemini viruses on the symptom severity, growth and root yield of cassava in Uganda, among other research he has done at Makerere university. He switched professions and joined politics to represent the Agago north Constituency under the banner of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and became leader of opposition in Parliament. He later ran as an independent. He retired from politics into developing his farm and improving Agricultural production in northern Uganda. He is an affable, articulate and kind man who plays accommodative politics and an example of a centrist in the way he approaches public issues. I know this because sometime in 2014, without any need for invitation, my wife and I received him at our farm along with several ministers and MPs of the Movement and he spent a day with us teaching as well as learning from us. His name is Prof. Morris Ogenga Latigo

A man passionate about botany and plant species, he was a lecturer and warden of Mitchell Hall in 1971 at Makerere university when one morning he woke up to an announcement on the only radio at the time, Radio Uganda, that he had been made minister for education by Idi Amin. By 1973, he was unable to keep the job given the reign of terror by Amin on the educated people. He tendered in his resignation while in Nairobi by telex and went into full time exile, holding teaching positions at the university of Zambia and entering a network of those fighting Idi Amin from outside the country. He would attend the Moshi conference in March 1979 and become the Chairman of the Uganda National Consultative Council (NCC), the first parliament after Idi Amin. He is known for his close associates, Professors Yash Tandon, Omwony Ojok and Dani Wadada Nabudere. In a sarcastic quip that easily caught on, the late President Godfrey Binaisa called this group the “Gang of four”, after Chairman Mao Zedong’s group in power that included Jiang Qing, Zhang Chunqiao, Yao Wenyuan and Wang Hongwen. He returned to public life as our Ambassador to South Africa in 1995 and later he served as Minister for Tourism and Antiquities. He asked the President to release him into retirement when the president appointed him to serve as an ambassador to France. He didn’t want to leave the country again for long periods. He instead returned to education sector and heading the mountains of the Moon University. His name is Prof. Edward Bitanywaine Rugumayo and he turns 88 in December this year.

In 1993 at the peak of the debate between the Movement system and the yearning for opening up political space for political parties that were then banned, she would come to Makerere University and debate Kahinda Otafire, then colonel, in the university quadrangle. Courageous, eloquent, and combative when she has to make a point, she was very impressive standing word to word, foot to foot with a somewhat popular army officer with students, a fellow who would come swashbuckling with a pistol and full military attire. Students would ululate and shout, giving her support not on account of her views but her act of courage at a time when many were too shy to speak for the UPC. She worked in the 1980s at the Uganda embassy in Nairobi, with the advisory Board of trade and she won Miss Uganda contest in 1969. Losing her seat in 2006 to the son of the UPC founder, she switched constituencies and parties and won in Dokolo. She has mellowed as she has grown older and become pretty accommodating, a good example, and a wonderful mother to many in politics. Her name is Cecilia Atim Ogwal and she represents Dokolo district as a woman Member of parliament.

One of the most eloquent debaters in the constituent assembly and the NRC before it, he retired from politics at the age of 53 and took on new causes in legal practice and business. He founded the Chamber of Mines and petroleum and Kampala-associated advocates. He has been a champion of enterprise in Uganda and his last position was chair of the Private Sector Foundation. His name is Elly Karuhanga

She is a veteran politician and diplomat who has served Uganda with distinction in various capacities. A former Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Welfare, she is a woman with strong leadership skills which she has used to contribute to the economic growth of Uganda. Her tireless efforts to promote gender equality, empower women, and improve agricultural practices have positively impacted the lives of Ugandans and positioned her as a champion of social development.

She was a representative for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in China, Mongolia, South Korea, and Ethiopia. She is currently chairperson of the governing board of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance. Its purpose is to unite all those involved in the industry to best optimize their ability to profitably and sustainably pursue global opportunities in agriculture. She turned 75 years old last Saturday and her name is Hon. Victoria Sekitoleko

Born in July 1941, she is an educationist and politician who has dedicated her life to the improvement of the education system in Uganda. Bitamazire is the Chancellor of the Uganda Management Institute and was a minister of education and sports (twice) where she spearheaded numerous initiatives and reforms that have positively impacted the education sector. Previously, she served as a director of the East African Harbors Corporation, part of the East African Community, headteacher of Tororo Girls School, and senior education officer in the Ministry of Education. She served as a member of parliament representing Mpigi district women. With her vast experience, Bitamazire has tirelessly worked towards ensuring quality education for all Ugandan citizens, especially those from underdeveloped communities. Her unwavering commitment to education has empowered individuals and equipped them with the skills necessary for sustainable development. She is a role model for women in leadership. One of her major contributions was spearheading the rollout of the Universal Primary Education (UPE) program which is a foundation of the education sector and has benefited millions of Ugandans.

Her name is Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire and she turns 82 in July this year.

She is an Associate Professor of Performing Arts, she has taught Drama, Theatre Marketing, and Folklore since 1995 at the Performing Arts and Film Department at Makerere University. Dr. Ntangaare is a playwright, dramatist poet, storyteller, and creative writer. Her book, A History of Theatre Development in Uganda, was the first ever historical documentation of Uganda’s theatre. She is a founder of Eastern Africa Theatre Institute (EATI), a regional theatre network operating in Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia, and director of the Theatre Documentaries company to produces rare, unique, high-value theatre and entertainment for children, youth, and general audiences in Uganda. The institute distinguishes itself for the performance of theatre classics, circus theatre, mime, theatre sports, Ugandan ethnic art, and culture. Her name is Dr. Mercy Mirembe Ntangaare

A true education stalwart in the greater Bushenyi, he has been the driving force in the development and growth of the education sector in his community. Born in 1930, in a family that produced early post-colonial officers such as his elder brother, the late Azaria Bingaya who was one of the most effective Muluka chiefs before 1962, he attended Bweranyangi Junior School, Canon Apollo Teachers College, and Kakoba Primary Teachers College, currently Bishop Stuart University. He is a former Bushenyi District LC5 Chairperson and also served as the Minister of Education in the post-colonial Ankole Kingdom. His dedication over the years has transformed countless lives. His desire to improve education standards in his home district and a wish to remain economically active gave birth to the idea of starting a private secondary school- Valley College and Valley University of Science and Technology in Bushenyi. He is actively researching an anti-tick vaccine, producing and packing some of the best wines from the area and contributing to stability and household incomes in the region. The valley university employs over 200 individuals who come from all the corners of Uganda.

His vision to achieve quality education has shaped generations. His name is Mzee William Mukaira and he turns 95 this year. Mzee Mukaira’s message through his story is to never give up innovating even into advanced age because our society has few of these yet still many unmet needs.

A gifted storyteller with a compelling stage presence, he is a living, breathing Encyclopedia of Uganda’s art, culture, food, and dance. With a Ph.D. in African Music and Cultural Studies, he has spent decades promoting and preserving Uganda’s traditional music, dance, and storytelling. He is a teacher turned rural agricultural economist and served as the Director of the Uganda National Theatre and Cultural Centre from 1990 to 1994. He founded the Ndere Cultural Centre from an underground garage at the YMCA when teaching young people to use drums and dances, was close to an abomination. He has nurtured a generation of talented dancers, artists, and linguists, and Ndere Centre is a platform for young people to showcase their traditional art to the fast-changing world. In due process, he has bridged the gap between generations and preserved Uganda’s heritage. Ndere today is a bee hive of activity frequented by representatives of most nations in the world each weekend. His passion for culture has brought him international recognition, helping revive fading Ugandan culture and art countrywide. A seasoned actor with features in household movies like The Last King of Scotland (2006), War Dance (2007), and Cultures of Resistance (2010),

His name is Dr. Stephen Rwangyezi and he is 70 years old this year. The key lesson to the youth from Rwangyezi’s story is ‘learn to pick an opportunity where people see none”. Culture as a business or a way of making a living wasn’t highly regarded till he and

A serial entrepreneur and businessman from his youth, Mzee Wavamuno started with a bicycle carrying matooke between Kaberebere on
Mbarara-Kikagate road to make a living. Born in Rugaaga, Isingiro district in 1934, he built up basket of businesses that has given many Ugandans opportunities. From the Spear Motors Mercedes-Benz franchise in 1973 to, GM Tumpeco, makers of signage and vehicle identification marks to Wavah Water, to Nakweero Mixed Farm and to publishing of school textbooks, it has been a 60-year eventful journey that has seen him through more than nine governments yet remaining steadfast and innovating. He is a key player in expanding the nation’s
insurance industry. He has honorary doctorate degrees from Makerere and Nkumba Universities and he is a professor in business and entrepreneurship. In 2013, he was appointed Knight of the Order of Saint John for his philanthropic work with St. John Association of Uganda where he has been a member since 1983 and offering bursaries to orphans. He also served as the honorary consul of Hungary to Uganda.

His name is Gordon Wavamunno and he turns 82 years in December this year. The lesson he gives us is that it does not matter where and when we start; it only makes sense through the seasons and how we end. Do not give up your vision, there are many riding on it!

A legal luminary, he has practiced law, both in and outside the courtrooms with distinction, for more than 55 years. He is a leading consultant in several areas of legal practice in Uganda. A Kennedy Scholar with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of East Africa at Dar-es-Salaam and a Master of Laws from Queens University, Ireland, he has participated in groundbreaking litigations and was instrumental in the formulation of numerous laws in Uganda. As a Professor of Law at Makerere University as well as the Universities of Dar-es-Salaam and Zambia, his outstanding scholarly record has made him a leading authority in Uganda on matters relating to Revenue and Taxation law, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Conveyance, and General Litigation. He was a member of the 1995 Constitutional Commission which drafted the 1995 Constitution and Chairperson of the Uganda Constitutional Review Commission. He is a founding partner of KATS, a leading law firm
in Kampala. Prof. Ssempebwa is a published author and is recognized for his distinguished service from several prestigious institutions. His contributions have set a high standard for the legal profession in the country. Seldom does one person combine success both in the academic and legal practice arenas, but this gentleman has achieved just that. He is one of the most respected and most widely consulted lawyers in Uganda.

His name is Prof. Frederick Edward Ssempebwa, and he is 84 years old this year. Prof. Ssempebwa teaches young people, the value of focusing on an area in which one is gifted in and making full use of it to serve a greater good.

Often described as bold and fearless, she was born in 1953, in Kashaari- Mbarara district. She is a pioneer on many fronts; lawyer, politician,
gender equality advocate, and a respected senior citizen. She has dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality, a cause she embraced since early childhood. With a Bachelors of Law degree from Makerere University and a Masters of law from the University of Warwick in England, she also holds an Honorary Doctor of Law from the University of Victoria, Canada in recognition of her lifelong dedication to women
empowerment, and the fight for justice, equality and fairness for all. A Minister of Ethics and Integrity, she spearheaded initiatives to build ethical standards and combat corruption in Uganda’s public service. Her contribution to the Constituent Assembly in Uganda played a crucial
role in shaping the 1995 constitution, with every clause concerning women benefiting from her attention and input.

Her name is Dr. Miria Rukoza Koburunga Matembe and she is 72 years old this year. Dr. Matembe teaches young people the art of dedication to something higher than self even if one is disagreeable and being open about our strengths and weaknesses as serve others.

Widely regarded as the grandfather of the dairy industry in Uganda, he saw its birth starting in 1968 after then Vice President John Babiiha brought the first Frisian breeds for Ugandan farmers. He lived through the worst years of milk scarcity presiding over “reconstituted imported powder mixed with water and butter”. This was so Uganda could make milk for commercial sales under the Uganda Dairy Corporation. He began the distribution of both milk transport tankers along with chill tanks in southwest and central Uganda at the end of the 1980s, kicking off what we have today an industry with 5 billion liters and more than USD200m in exports. With more than 56 years in the industry, he is still working hard to exploit external markets with young people to drive the boundaries of the Ugandan dairy industry.

His name is Mzee Robert Walimba and he is 78 years this year. The lesson he gives us is that consistency and discipline always pay and helps many who might not see what we are doing!

A dedicated servant, not only to God, but to his country, and the world at large in various capacities as a deacon, priest, archbishop, cardinal, and senior citizen, Cardinal Wamala is a Ugandan Catholic prelate who served as the Archbishop of Kampala from 1990-2006. In September 1956, he was sent to Rome for further studies at the Pontifical Urban University. He was the President of the Episcopal Conference of Uganda from 1986 until 1994. He also served as the President of the Uganda Joint Christian Council. He became the first Rector of the Uganda Martyrs University in 1993. The height of his priesthood was in November 1994, when Pope John Paul II elevated him to Cardinal, an honor that meant he was eligible to participate in a papal conclave- a gathering of the college of cardinals convened to elect a pope. And he did participate in the conclave that elected Pope Benedict VI in 2005.

He is Cardinal Emmanuel Wamala, he turns 99 years old this year. Cardinal Wamala teaches young people the value of humility, use of few words but holding a larger-than-life impact on many.

A former Chief Justice and advocate, his contributions to the legal field in Uganda are widely recognized. He also served as a senior legal counsel to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 1974-1998, further showcasing his expertise and influence in the legal world. In addition to his legal career, he also translated the Bible into his mother tongue, Lusamia, and published an anthology of poetry, “Songs of Paradise,” in 2009. He became the Principal Judge in 1998 and was Justice of the COMESA Court of Justice from 1999 to 2013. He was an Associate Professor of International Finance Law at the American University School of Law from 1980 to 1982. He received his Bachelors in Law degree from the University of Dar-es-Salaam and his Masters from Columbia University.

His name is Justice James Ogola, and he turns 78 years old this year. Justice Ogola teaches young people to nurture talent and diversify one’s reach and impact. Being a judge and translating the Bible and writing poetry, shows young

A physician by profession, originally from Ireland, he moved to Uganda as a missionary, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. He studied human medicine at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and a Bachelor of Obstetrics. He moved to Uganda and served at Kiwoko hospital in Luwero during the war and later set up International Hospital Kampala, where the country’s first open heart surgery was performed. From 2011 to 2016, he was mayor of Makindye Division where, to date, he advocates for better living conditions and infrastructure in his community. His dedication to both medicine and public service has made a significant impact on the lives of many Ugandans.

His name is Dr. Ian Clarke and he turns 73 years this year. Dr Clarke teaches young people to do and not complain about what life has handed one. From a medical doctor to a politician and now to a coffee farmer and exporter, he shows us we need to keep on the road with good ideas and God meets us halfway.

A journalist by profession, he is an inspiring entrepreneur who gives a good example to local SMEs on how to survive turbulent times and
flourish. While at Management Training and Advisory Centre (MTAC), he and his team created a radio show named Double Your Money that aired on Radio Uganda in the 1970s. It was an edutainment segment to help promote business to be done by Ugandans across the country. He is one of the country’s most successful entrepreneurs, with decades of experience in agro-business. His vast business profile, whose flagship brand is Ugachick Poultry Breeders, includes Sekalala Enterprises and Radio Simba.

His name is Aga Sekalala Snr and he turns 76 years old this year. He is an example to young people for hard work and dedication as key levers to success.

A patriot, entrepreneur, and community leader whose lifetime of service has left a lasting mark on Uganda’s development. From humble beginnings in Masulita, Wakiso District, his journey has spanned craftsmanship, public service, business leadership, and community transformation. As an artisan trained at Kyambogo and Makerere institutions, he rose to serve as Foreman in the Ministry of Works (1961-1968) and later as a senior manager in the insurance sector with British American Insurance from 1971-1973.

A visionary entrepreneur, he founded thriving enterprises in construction, hospitality, and retail, creating employment and opportunities for many. His leadership extended to politics, where he served diligently as LC III Chairman for Kira Sub-County and as advisor within the Buganda Government.

Passionate about education, he established schools (Kirinya C/U Primary & Kirinya C/U Secondary Schools in Bweyogerere) that continue to shape young Ugandans. His lifelong dedication to industry, public service, and community upliftment stands as a shining example of commitment to national progress.

His name is Erukana Seggane and he is 89 years. He is the embodiment of unwavering diligence, leadership and patriotism.