By Ronald Nahabwe & Gad Masereka
Kampala: Former Makerere University Prof. Asavia Wandira died last night and his death has left most academicians in disarray, because of his vast knowledge and experience.
Prof. Wandira recently developed some illness and has been undergoing treatment although Doctors had proposed an operation to save his life.
As he was still receiving treatment, on Thursday last night he kicked the bucket and went to meet his creator.
On Friday afternoon, the Makerere University Vice chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe eulogized Wandira, commending him for his energy towards the development of this country.
“We have lost a gallant and resourceful son of Africa who put all his efforts into seeing that Uganda developed into a first world country,” Nawangwe said.
Later the family alongside top Government officials held a funeral service at Makerere St.Francis Chapel led by Prof. Nawangwe, Prof. Frank Nabwiso and James Danki from the Education Service Cozmmission.
The vigil was held at his home in Ntinda ( Kalinabili zone) and he will be buried at his ancestral home in Bunyantole, Bugweri, Iganga District.
An official program with dates and time will be issued, after consultations with family members.
Prof. Wandira was an Old Boy of Busoga College Mwiri, went to Makerere University College and London University.
He served as a Minister of Education in the Yusuf Lule’s government after the fall of Idi Amin.
He was Vice Chancellor Makerere University, Chairman Education Service Commission, Served as a Professor in many Universities in Africa and the World at large.
He taught at Busoga College Mwiri, helped in the start of many universities including Busoga University.
He wrote and published many papers, articles and books.
He will be greatly missed by family members, Abaise-iwemula, his clan, the Mwiri family, the academic and education community, Busoga, Uganda and humanity at large.
The family will update you about the official burial program after due consultations.
Biography
The late was born on 22nd February and died on 2nd October 2019 at Nakasero hospital. The late was a son to the late Yosamu Wandira and Perusi wandira who lived in Bugweri region. The late has left five children; francis wandira, agnes wandira,ezereya wandira,anne wandira, and harriet wandira and seven grandchildren.
The late went to Mpiita primary school, Iganga boys’ primary school, Busoga college Mwiri, Makerere University for the first degree and later joined UK – London for masters in math’s.
After his education he taught at Busoga College Mwiri, worked as the high education officer at the ministry of education, served as university secretary, appointed as a professor, dean of students at Makerere University, then as the vice chancellor from1973 – 1975.
He lectured at Swaziland university as a professor, minister of education in 1979, appointed vice chairman in1979 – 1986, chairman teaching service commission, commissioner for public service, chancellor of Busoga university, Executive Board member UNESCO 1987 – 1991, member of the inter religious council elders forum, among others.
Prof. Wandira is the second longest serving head of the institute after Sir Bernard de Bunsen who served as Principal for 13 years (1950-1963).
He is also among the few people who have served as VC at two different intervals.
He served his first tenure of Vice Chancellor from 1972 to 1975, after which he left Uganda. He served as Professor of Education at the University of Swaziland. On return to Uganda, he was named Minister of Education in 1979. Thereafter, Professor Wandira was appointed Vice Chancellor up to 1986.
He led the university under Presidents Idi Amin, Prof. Yusuf Lule, Godfrey Binaisa and Tito Okello Lutwa and briefly under President Museveni.
