Grief, gratitude, and celebration of a life devoted to academia defined a thanksgiving service held at Nkumba University in honour of Dr. Alex Barakagira, the Dean of the School of Sciences
In attendance were the University Council, Board of Trustees, management, staff, students, alumni, family members and friends.
The service was led by Rev. Herbert Settumba Kigongo and Lay Reader Elvis Kiraga of St. Apollo Church of Uganda, Abaita Ababiri Parish, who reminded mourners that earthly achievements are temporary and that every life should ultimately glorify God. “Whatever positions we hold and whatever achievements we accumulate, they are all vanity if we lose sight of God. Our brother has gone before us, and we are all travelling the same journey. Let us therefore live a life that honours God while we still have the opportunity to,” Rev. Settumba preached. He prayed for God’s comfort upon the bereaved family and the entire Nkumba University fraternity during the difficult period of mourning.
Speaking on behalf of the University’s deans, the Dean of Deans, Dr. Anne Abaho, described Dr. Barakagira as an exceptional leader whose humility, courage and vision inspired many within the institution. “Alex never engaged in conflict or backbiting. He was dependable, passionate and always ready to support every school and every colleague whenever called upon,” Dr. Abaho said.
She recalled his dream of establishing one of the country’s biggest science laboratories at Nkumba University. “He may not have lived to see that dream become reality, but we pray that those who remain will carry it forward. Perhaps one day that laboratory will stand in his memory.”
Dr. Abaho also highlighted his contribution to postgraduate education, noting that many master’s and doctoral students benefited from his expertise, particularly in quantitative research methods. “He mentored countless postgraduate students and willingly taught difficult research methods whenever called upon. His lectures, his knowledge and his generosity will remain part of his lasting academic legacy.”
In an emotional tribute, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega, said Dr. Barakagira’s death had created a gap that would be difficult to fill. “Today is a sad day for all of us. Having had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Alex Barakagira for many years, I deeply feel the void that his passing has left in our University community,” Prof. Lubega said.
“On behalf of Management, Senate, staff, students, alumni and the entire Nkumba University fraternity, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Alex’s family for sharing the brilliance of this remarkable man with us. We are forever grateful for the years of dedicated service he rendered to our University and to the nation.” He added.
Chairperson University Council, Dr. Christopher Samuel Mayanja, said Dr. Barakagira distinguished himself through humility, scholarship and unwavering dedication to institutional growth.”I found him to be remarkably humble, respectful and knowledgeable. He supported students at every level, from undergraduate to PhD, and contributed immensely to the University’s academic development,” Dr. Mayanja said.
He noted that Dr. Alex played a pivotal role in several strategic initiatives, including the Rotary Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Institute (RoWASHi), where he actively participated in training nearly 100 public health plumbers drawn from 50 health facilities across Uganda. “It saddens me that he invested so much effort in that programme but did not live to witness the graduation of the trainees. He had also begun laying strategies for the growth of the School of Sciences and the eventual establishment of a School of Medicine. These are dreams we must now pursue in his honour.”
Quoting Psalm 46:1, Dr. Mayanja encouraged the family to find strength in God. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. May He comfort the family and heal the wounds that come with such painful loss.”
Chairperson Board of Trustees, Mr. Mohammed Kalyango, remembered Dr. Barakagira as a service-oriented academic who consistently focused on solutions. “The few times I met Dr. Alex, our conversations were always about what he planned to achieve, how he would implement it and what support he required. He was deeply committed to the growth of Nkumba University. That level of dedication is what we shall all miss,” Mr. Kalyango said.
The most emotional moments came when Dr. Barakagira’s widow, Ms. Stella Apoo, thanked the University community for standing with her husband throughout his illness. “For the entire period that Alex was sick, I witnessed the love his colleagues had for him. They came one after another, called constantly, and encouraged him. Sometimes I had to switch off his phone so he could rest, but once he recovered a little, he would immediately ask for it because he wanted to continue talking to his colleagues and friends,” she said.
She described her late husband as a devoted father and loving husband who quietly shouldered every family responsibility. “I never worried about paying school fees, utility bills or providing for the family. Alex did all that without ever complaining. Whatever little he earned, he ensured his children received the best education, guidance and care.”
She said his calm nature often helped the famil