The late Prof. Joseph Kasumba Ssewanyana was a remarkable educator and leader who lived by the principle of action over words. He was a humble man who never allowed his accomplishments to go to his head, and always remained calm and focused on his goals. On March 25, 2020, he passed away at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and service.
Born on February 28, 1955, Prof. Ssewanyana was a man of integrity who believed in hard work and dedication. He began his career as a statistician at the Ministry of Industry and Technology in Uganda, and worked his way up the ranks over the years. He had stints in Canada and Australia before returning to Uganda as an Information Technology Specialist under a Nutrition and Early Childhood Development project with the Ministry of Health. Later, he became a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Computing and IT at Makerere University, where he had a passion for Business Information Technology, Strategy, and Leadership
Prof. Ssewanyana was highly skilled and exposed, holding a Ph.D. in Business Administration (ICT) from Washington International University and an MBA from Hull University in the UK. He served as Chairman of the University Council at Uganda Technology and Management University (UTAMU) from 2012 to 2016, and at the time of his death, he was Chairman of the IT Strategy Board Committee at Centenary Rural Development Bank and a member of the CEO Summit Think Tank. He held many other senior positions in various organizations, making him a highly respected professional.
Apart from his professional achievements, Prof. Ssewanyana was a devoted Catholic who believed in divine mercy. He was actively involved in church activities at St. Mbaga Tuzinde Catholic Church in Kiwatule and Kiyinda Mityana Catholic Diocese, where he was dearly missed by parishioners.
His untimely death came during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, which meant that many of his friends and family were unable to pay their last respects. However, his legacy lives on, and his family and friends hold a memorial mass for him every year on March 25, the day he passed away.
Lessons to Learn from Prof. Joseph Kasumba Ssewanyana’s Legacy
Humility and servant leadership
Despite his numerous achievements, Professor Ssewanyana remained humble and never allowed his success to get to his head. He was a true servant leader who led by example and through his actions.
Persistence and hard work
Professor Ssewanyana’s career trajectory shows that success does not come overnight. He started as a Statistician at the Ministry of Industry and Technology and worked his way up through various positions in different countries before becoming a Senior Lecturer at Makerere University. His success was a result of his persistence and hard work.
Faith and values
Professor Ssewanyana was a devout Catholic and firm believer in divine mercy. He lived his life according to his faith and values, and this guided his actions and decisions.
Dedication to education
Professor Ssewanyana had a passion for education and was committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise through teaching and leadership. His life serves as a reminder of the importance of education in transforming lives and communities.
Legacy building
Professor Ssewanyana’s untimely passing reminds us of the importance of building a lasting legacy. He left behind a reputation of excellence and a track record of service, and his memory continues to inspire others to strive for greatness.
Overall, the life and legacy of Professor Joseph Kasumba Ssewanyana reminds us of the importance of humility, hard work, faith, education, and legacy-building. These lessons can serve as a guide for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in their own lives and in the world around them
God gives and He takes
May you observe a minute of silence and pray for the soul of Professor Joseph Kasumba Ssewanyana.
May his soul rest in peace