J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba) - The Editorial

Thank you all for according the Late J C Kiwanuka a hero’s send off
I wish to take this opportunity to thank all who played some role in seeing that the Late J C Kiwanuka is accorded a decent send off as a hero. Many times we don’t need to stand up and request people to recognize us, they will voluntarily. Many were touched when they learnt that the great teacher had breathed his last. His good deeds were being rewarded. I thank all those who not only quoted my works but also used them well to inform the general public about the passing on of the great teacher, the Newvision; Bukedde newspapers and other media houses. I did not know that the Late J C was a clan mate of mine (Mamba under Gabunga the head of the clan) this is because his clan name remained unknown to many. He was my great Mathematics teacher both at O ‘level and at Higher School. He was our parent as he kept on giving us parental advice and guidance. He was a role model whom we would emulate as we prepared for career life. He was a spiritual counselor.
I have learnt a few lessons while interacting with the Late J C Kiwanuka. The 1st is that these old people need to be cared for and it is bad to keep them lonely. 2ndly, they want to be recognized and remembered for roles they played when they were still active players in life, and when this is not done they feel they are forgotten. 3rd that he was above his family, and on asking him how he wished to be remembered, he would always have St. Mary’s Old Boys as the institution he believed in that was worth remembering him more so given the life sacrifices he made to see it shine. I wish to thank the Old Boys for not being selfish, at least they were friends of J C Kiwanuka and even in death they showed this love for their great teacher.
It is time we believed that information and how it moves can also move things. I thank God for having given me the ability and courage to do what I was and have been able to do for the Late J C Kiwanuka. Little did I know that this information was to greatly contribute to the fame of the Late at the time of his death. Believe it or not, information is power. I wish to thank Dr. Kkolokolo an Old Boy of SMACK in France for he has been there for me all the time. We jointly worked on the Morning Star Magazine which was dedicated to now the Late J C Kiwanuka and the contribution of the Doctor made the publication a high profile one. When Dr. Kkolokolo learnt about the death of J C, he knew I was to make an input into circulating the information and he did not only raise shs 42,550 to see me meet the logistics, but also contributed shs 50,000 to the family; and the Doctor had all along sent money through me to deliver to the Late J C Kiwanuka. The Old Boys of SMACK are challenged, we need to be above trivial and mature and that way we shall command respect in society.
The works on the Late J C Kiwanuka are divided into:
1. The Editorial;
2. J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba) - Appeal to MPs who are SMACK OBs to move a motion of thanks
3. J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba) - Some of the students taught by the Late J C
4. J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba) – Testimonials
5. J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba)
6. The Morning Star – a publication which was dedicated to his dedicated service.
On June 11, 2010, I started work on the J C Kiwanuka Blog, little did I know that the following day he was to depart this world!
“Taata J C Kiwanuka, rest in peace.”

DUC IN ALTUM



Prossy Nakalembe a Heroine
The orphaned girl in the photo above had the hands on experience as the final 'official' nurse of the Late J C Kiwanuka. Prossy was got from her vacation to J C's home; she was given tips on how to nurse the late, and she courageously took up the challenging work. She says, it was a challenge and an experience to be entrusted with the life of her grand father, who according to Nakalembe was so grateful as the roles the young girl played helped very much to prolong the Late J C's life.
Prossy is an orphan who is still in her Senior Six (HSC) vacation. She hopes to join the University later this year. Nakalembe says that though the grand pa was in pain, he never told her or showed that he was fade up of life.
One fact which is proof that the late was so touched by this girls' roles, is that he went a step and informed her of his clan name, which unfortunately Nakalembe did not write down yet she says it is not a commonly used name. It is true that efforts are still on to see that we get to know the late's clan name.
Nakelembe, that you for that dedication to your Late grand father.


Willy,
Thank you so much for this very excellent input
which has enabled us to know a lot more about J. C.
and at the same time to fully get into picture on
events surrounding this very great man's death.
Speaking as an OB living abroad, I'd sincerely say, without
any hesitation, that this blog on J. C. has enabled us to get
into genuine mourning that befits the dignity of a person like
Prof J. C. Kiwanuka! Thank you for the form, style and expert content.
I seize the opportunity to thank all alumni who really mourned this parent.
I can't indeed forget the Brothers and SMACK!

On the day we marked the Old Boys re – union at St. Mary’s College Kisubi during 2006; I asked the Late J C Kiwanuka how come he had a 4 year course while those who came after him like Mr. Basil Kiwanuka (1943 – 1945) spent 3 years for Cambridge School Certificate (CSC). J C told me that it was because at their time, an Intermediate Course known as matriculation Course had been introduced in 1937, and it was a one year course. This was being studied at SMACK instead of doing it at Makerere. By Basil’s time, this course had been removed.


Hello Old Boys,
This is to inform you that the Reunion day will take place at the School on the 12th September 2010.The day will start off with a SMACK Marathon in the morning . You are requested to send in your Nominations of O.Bs to be Awarded. For details PLEASE contact the SMACKOBA General Secretary, Mr. Mulema Mukasa on 0772639914 /0700403574.
Kind Regards,
Norah

The Late J C Kiwanuka's contribution to SMACK is one reason it was worth celebrating 100 years in 2006

To join St. Mary’s College Kisubi after his degree at Nottingham University, the authority to whom the Late J C Kiwanuka applied to was the then Education Secretary for Catholic Schools. And on receiving a favourable reply to his application, the Late J C started teaching on 1st October 1951 up to 2001 making 50 years at SMACK!

J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba) - The last journey to the Late J C Kiwanuka’s grave

Article below and photo from the New Vision of Sunday, 20th June, 2010 : http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/25/723325
Celebrating the life of the first Ugandan graduate teacher

By Constantine Odongo
and Harriette Onyalla
THE boys sang, their voices so divine! In the gallery of St. Mary’s College Kisubi Chapel, the resonance of song of the school choir (Cherubim) made hearts flutter with pride. Next to the altar, stood the casket of John Chrysostom Kiwanuka, in beautifully chiselled wood.
His life has come to an end, yet he lives on. For great men never die; they leave behind a light that illuminates the paths for generations to come.
Kiwanuka, no doubt, was a great man; the greatness that began with humility.
In 1951, JC, as he was fondly called, returned from the prestigious Nottingham University in London after graduating with a degree in Mathematics. In September that year, he was appointed a teacher at St. Mary’s College Kisubi (SMACK), one of the prestigious schools in the country.
But this appointment came with a hitch. There was only one teachers’ house (Brothers' Residence) with several bedrooms, a communal living room and kitchen which brothers shared as there were no lay teachers on staff. However, being the only teacher with no religious training, meant JC could not share accommodation with the Brothers. Until this point, only Brothers of Christian instruction taught at the school.
According to Paul Kawanga Ssemwogerere, the former Democratic Party President, the school administration offered JC a small room next to the Sickbay. As the only teacher in the country with a degree, JC could have declined the appointment on grounds of lack of good accommodation to get re-posted to another school that befitted him. After all, he was the only Ugandan teacher in the country with a University degree, but he did not.
“Teachers’ quarters were out of bounds to students. I was the only one who used to go to his house because I was the head prefect. It was a tiny room but having meals together with the Brothers helped a lot,” Ssemwogerere said.
But this was not to be the end of the graduate teacher’s woes. Having been posted to SMACK by the Ministry of Education (Correction: the Late J C applied to the then Secretary for Catholic Schools so that he is appointed to teach in his former school (SMACK. The Brothers decided to put him on probation.
“The Brothers did not want someone new to take on teaching a subject like Mathematics, so they made him teach Geography, in the lower classes,” said the Prime Minister, Henry Kajura, one of JC’s oldest students.
But the stout, deep-voiced fresh graduate took this in stride. His manner soon became infectious. He made friends among the staff and won the admiration of his students, most of whom coveted his Nottingham University blazer and black leather shoes.
“He was a terrific person. When he donned his Nottingham jacket, we were mesmerised. But he spoke too fast because of the influence of his years in Britain. At one time we complained about it but the headmaster told us to give him time. With time we not only got used to the way he spoke, but also began mimicking his speech,” Kajura said, causing laughter among the mourners.
And that was the mood during JC’s Requiem Mass. Memories of humour, of the disciplinarian, of passion, of JC — the man with an illustrious life that began on July 27, 1919.
Early life
JC was born to the Late Simeo and Donatina Katuba in Kasaala, Luweero district.
He went for 'mugigi' (religious instruction) in 1929, before joining Primary One and Primary Two, then known as elementary vernacular school, which he completed in 1930.
JC attended classes three and four, now Primary Three and Four, in 1931 and 1932 before joining Lubaga Middle/High School in 1933, where he began learning English. In 1935, he joined Kitovu Middle/High School and then St. Mary’s College Kisubi in 1937, where he was fated to return and put his best foot forward in educating men who would one day sit at the helm of the development of this nation.
JC’s class was the second in the school to write the Cambridge School Certificate Examinations in 1940.
“Interestingly, Makerere College was then not accepting the Cambridge School Certificate for admission. He, therefore, had to take the Makerere Entrance examinations, too, both of which he passed well,” Monsignor Charles Kasibante, the Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese, said.
However, JC was not allowed to choose the subjects to major in at Makerere College, which was at the time offering only diploma courses. However, Kiwanuka’s benefactor, Bishop Joseph-Georges-Édouard Michaud wanted him to become a teacher. He graduated with a diploma in education in 1943.
For two years, he taught at Nandere Primary School and transferred to Lubaga Junior School to follow up his scholarship Buganda Government under Mutesa II to study in United Kingdom and later at Nottingham University.
“For heaven’s sake do not pass water on the roadside!” Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, the Inspector General of Police, said JC remarked during the orientation week when he had just joined for Higher School at SMACK in 1974. The boys roared with laughter, but it stuck in their minds because of the way JC had said it. “Every time you tried to do otherwise, your mind would replay the warning and you would zip up and look for the nearest toilet,” Kayihura added.
Isaac Mawejje, who was in the last class JC taught before he retired in 2001, said JC always taught them the importance of hard work.
“If you do not work hard, you will end up washing the panties of girls from Gayaza High School, who will be having big jobs in future,” Mawejje, now working with Post Bank, recalls JC telling them. To the teenage boys, the thought of ending up as house workers for the girls they were always trying to impress was not welcome.
Later responsibilities
As the President of the St. Mary’s Old Boys’ Association, the Association made an appointment with Governor Andrew Cohen to discuss the High School Certificate (HSC) in the school. On August 19, 1956 , on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the College, the Governor said he had allowed the school to start teaching HSC (now A’ level).
As an education minister in the short-lived 1961 Democratic Party Government, JC, who had been the President of the Uganda Teachers’ Association (UTA)knew the problems that existed in the profession. Consequently, through the Lawrence Commission Report with some adjustment, their Government improved teachers’ salaries and conditions of service, enacted the teachers’ pension scheme, equalled salaries of male, female lay and religious teachers. They also awarded 300 scholarships to suitable candidates in all walks of life including tailors and shoe makers.
The education ministry under JC also started HSC in girls’ schools like Gayaza High School, St. Mary’s Namagunga and Trinity College Nabbingo Other schools like Bishop’s SSS Mukono, Kibuli SSS, Christ the King Girls’ School Kalisizo, Mary Hill High School, Lubiri SSS, and Kiira College built by the Kyabazinga, were given initial government grants. The board of governor’s rules for senior secondary schools and teachers’ colleges were also enacted during this short time.
And yet, Kiwanuka still returned to teach at SMACK in the evenings.
According to Dr. George Mayanja, one of his former students, Kiwanuka’s dream of making 50 years of service got a hitch on his 47th year of service when he clocked retirement age. The Government stopped paying his salary but five SMACK Old Boys made sure the ageing man achieved his dream. They contributed money monthly to cater for his upkeep, until he clocked 50 years in service.
The house to which he retired in Kawuku trading centre, off Entebbe Road, was bought for him by the SMACK Board of Governors. JC has been living on his pension and occasional help from some Old Boys of St. Mary's College Kisubi.
At his granddaughter’s Sisterhood the day he died, his grandchildren realised JC was not well. But he ate, drank and danced with them.
It later turned out it was his farewell. When his children dropped him home, Kiwanuka, who had been battling with cancer of the vocal chords, went to his bedroom and breathed his last.
Charles Mbire, a Kampala businessman, and one of Kiwanuka’s old students, had offered to take him abroad for treatment, but the old man declined, saying he was ready to meet his maker.
Florah Mugwanya, one of his seven children, talked about a time when, at 16 years, in Senior Four vacation, she was teaching at Savio Junior School.
“One day it rained and I did not go to teach. Dad came back and found me at home. When I told him why I had not gone to work, he went to his bedroom and wrote me a note: ‘Where there is work, there is no rain’,” Mugwanya, now an accountant in London, said.
She said their mother, Hilda Nabitaka Kiwanuka, died when she was only 12 and their father took on the responsibility of raising them up single-handed.
After the Requiem Mass, the Late J C Kiwanuka’s body was put to public viewing which took quite some time. The mourners were invited to a heavy lunch courtesy of St. Mary’s College Kisubi. For this, it’s a thumbs-up for Brother Bukenya and all the parties that were involved in the preparation.
J C’s body was transported from SMACK at past 3.00pm. At least the only and only Major General Kale Kaihura provided a minimal of three cars for escort. One patrol was on the lead, a small car and another at the end of the convoy! The body and those who accompanied it arrived around 6.00pm at the village home of the Late J C Kiwanuka.

On Thursday 17th June 2010 the day for the burial of the Late J C had Mass which started around 11.00am. The Police band was in place to add colour to the function. Unfortunately, Bishop Semwogerere was not around but he delegated to Father Sebugwawo who was together with Mons. Charles Kasibante Vicar General; Kampala Archdiocese a relative of the late J C Kiwanuka.
The mourners were so many that when it came to serving food it proved so hard to serve them well. I can say, the children and relatives of J C Kiwanuka were overwhelmed by the love the Late was shown and they are so grateful.

J C Kiwanuka fare thee well (weraba) Petitions

What Dr. G.H. Kkolokolo wrote about the Late J C Kiwanuka on his 90th Birthday – 27/7/2009
Let me use this great occasion, when we solemnly mark Prof J. C. Kiwanuka’s 90th anniversary, to say some thing about that special class at St Mary’s College Kisubi, the class that brought uppermost honour and dignity to SMACK, to Uganda and to East Africa. That was our first A-Level group (1959 – 1960) of our HSC section, Prof. J.C. Kiwanuka’s brainchild! It was a special contingent composed of thirty very wonderful students who had shone brilliantly in their O-Levels at their distinctive colleges of origin: SMACK, St Henry’s, Namiryango, St Leo’s Kyegobe, St Peter’s Tororo, St Aloysius Nyapea, some students from the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanganyika. This very eminent inaugural group, whose classes / tuition started slightly earlier than in other sister colleges which had also been authorized by the then British Protectorate Government to open an HSC section, similarly with 30 students each (Buddo, Makerere College School, and Mbale S.S.S.) was a very marvellous team. And the inauguration gave them added privileges that made them look more special than other students who literary feared them to the extent of even nodding to them as they passed! They had blue blazers whereas for the rest of the college the blazer was black, they sat in the upper section of the refectory, they slept in the western wing of Kiwanuka House, they received a pocket money allowance and never paid any school fees, they never washed even a simple utensil after meal, they never did any manual labour, they could go out on Saturdays after simply noting their names in an open absence-register, and they had their elegant building to house their classrooms, their very well-equipped library and their private study cubicles each one accommodating six students. That HSC block, constructed by Rev Bro Paul Bourget, then a simple member of staff, immediately became a legend when O-Level students began to humorously refer to it as a “Beyond the Atlantic”. In other words crossing the Atlantic would mean being admitted to our HSC where one would enjoy some privilege. True, since its occupants were indeed the envy of even their companions who had been admitted for the somehow equivalent Intermediate pre-degree course at Makerere University which was offered not by Cambridge University but by London University. The HSCs also had the best teachers in the region since many of them were even regularly requested to give a hand at Makerere or in other institutions and a good number of them were subsequently recruited to top gear positions in government and other leading institutions!
The section with its newly arrived S5 was inaugurated with pomp. I was at Savio and we had an invitation to attend. The ceremony took place right in front of the HSC Building in the presence of all students with the new HSCs in their blue blazers receiving a bewildered gaze from every angle, many eminent personalities on Kisubi Hill were also present, and a skyline of prominent notables who included the then Archbishop of Lubaga, His Grace Joseph L. Cabana, the Great Benedicto Kiwanuka who by then was the region’s shining political star, Dr Josephine Nnambooze the newly qualified first woman doctor in the whole of East Africa and whose presence on any important occasion wouldn’t pass unnoticed, Rev Fr Modeste Raux, founder of SMACK, Rev Bro Arthur Greenwood, the much celebrated Provincial Superior of the Brothers of Christian Instruction, many leading OBs and European guests from Kampala and Entebbe. The H/M, Rev Bro Oscar, delivered a very brilliant speech which moved every attendee and guest; he then called on the Uganda Protectorate Director of Education to officially declare open the section. He too, before proceeding to acts, gave a very moving speech praising St Mary’s College Kisubi as a very original and intelligent school. He then performed the official ceremony by cutting the “rope” and then by opening the main entrance with a special key. Then guests and students began flocking inside the elegant building to admire the interior set-up, notably the cubicles which were to help turn that special edifice into the breeding ground of some of Africa’s topmost brand intellectuals, geniuses and pragmatic edifiers! And outright, SMACK’s first HSC Section had set the stage for this reality! Let’s now get a glimpse of this wonderful group which made history for East Africa, Uganda and SMACK by a massing far more than half of all certificates awarded by Cambridge to Uganda and by heaping up piles of Principal Level passes in virtually every subject!
By Dr. George Herman Kkolokolo