By Ambassador Moses Kizige, Moscow
Saturday December 14, 2024 afternoon, I received messages from several WhatsApp groups, predominantly from Busoga, announcing the sad demise of Comrade Hon. Dr. Frank Bulima Nabwiiso, former Member of Parliament for Kagoma County, Jinja District, in the 7th Parliament. I had not heard of any illness afflicting him, so I immediately called my friend, Simon Muyanga Lutaya, who confirmed that the true patriot had indeed passed on to be with the Lord.
Meeting Dr. Frank Bulima Nabwiiso – 2000
In May 2000, after several years as a graduate student and adjunct professor at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, USA, I returned to Uganda. The transition back to the country was challenging, particularly in finding employment. After many attempts, I found myself in front of Mzee Justin Byagagaire (RIP), the Managing Director of Development Consultants International, a leading consultancy firm at the time. Dr. Okoth, a friend, had introduced me to Mzee Byagagaire as a highly qualified management consultant and financial analyst, despite my lack of experience in the field.
Mzee Byagagaire, known for his blunt approach, handed me a stack of papers, including the CV of Professor Enoch Rukale, and instructed me to assemble a team of consultants to prepare a technical and financial proposal for the “Teacher Development and Management Systems (TDMS) Project Summative Evaluation.” It was a proposal request from the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Having been away from Uganda for so long, I was unsure where to start. My thoughts led me to Makerere University, and I approached Stephen Kateega, then Assistant Academic Registrar and a close associate of Dr. David Kantaale Kazungu, one of my mentors. Stephen proved invaluable, providing me with the contacts of Professor Asavia Wandira, Dr. Frank Nabwiiso, and Stephen Maloba, who had already expressed interest in the project.
Though I hesitated to approach Professor Asavia Wandira, given our previous interaction in 1986 when I had led protests at Makerere University against poor food quality, I ultimately reached out to him. He welcomed me warmly and organized a meeting the following day with Dr. Frank Nabwiiso, Professor Rukale, and Mr. Maloba. We quickly formed a team, and together, Dr. Nabwiiso and I were assigned the task of drafting the technical proposal.
To my surprise, Dr. Nabwiiso went off the radar for three days, making it impossible to reach him. Desperate, I sought the help of Dr. Kantaale Kazungu, who advised me on where to find him. Once located, I decided to take charge—locking him in my house until we completed the work. For the next three days, we worked tirelessly, and with the support of our team, we secured the consultancy. The payment from this job provided us with the financial means for the 2001 Parliamentary Election Campaigns.
Exposure to Politics
Before leaving Uganda for the USA, I had participated in the Constituent Assembly Elections, urged to do so by my former headmaster, Fr. Grimes from Namasagali College. Fr. Grimes believed I could contribute significantly to national development as a political leader, which is why I entered the race, even if initially as more of a symbolic candidate.
In December 2000, Dr. Frank Nabwiiso invited me to speak to his campaign team in Namagera. In his address, Dr. Nabwiiso simplified the concept of basic human needs—food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter—by relating them to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. His ability to communicate these ideas in such an accessible way deeply resonated with the people present, leaving many in tears. This approach inspired my own election campaigns, which emphasized understanding and addressing the real challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
Working with Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe
In July 2001, Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe and I were sworn in as Members of the 7th Parliament. A Busoga Parliamentary Group meeting was called at the residence of Hon. James Mwandha (RIP) in Kololo, and Dr. Frank Nabwiiso nominated me to serve as temporary secretary, despite the fact that only one other person—my childhood friend, Hon. Night Salaamu Musumba—knew me well.
As the meeting progressed, Dr. Wandira Kazibwe noted my efficiency and designated me as the group’s secretary moving forward. This was the beginning of a long, productive collaboration between us. Dr. Nabwiiso, Hon. Musumba, and I worked together on multiple key initiatives for Busoga, including the Busoga People’s Charter for Development and the Ten-Year Busoga Strategic Development Plan, which advocated for the immediate zoning of agricultural production in the region.
As time passed, Dr. Kazibwe resigned her position as Vice President of Uganda to pursue doctoral studies at Harvard University, marking the end of an era for Busoga’s political and developmental leadership. The cohesiveness of the group gradually unraveled, and we found ourselves going in different directions politically, socially, and economically.
Personal Reflections on Dr. Frank Nabwiiso
Dr. Nabwiiso was a man of remarkable intellectual and personal depth. From the Baise Muwaya Clan, his father, Bulima, hailed from Kakutu, Saaka, in Namwiwa Sub-county, Kaliro District. Dr. Nabwiiso was well-connected within the community, especially with my father, Yowabu Magada Kawaaluuko, and childhood friend, teacher Zerubaberi Mboira Kasibule. His cultural roots ran deep, and he was a talented musician with the rare ability to read both staff and sol-fa notation. Whether bass or tenor, his voice resonated with natural power, and he always knew the right key to begin a song.
Dr. Nabwiiso’s contribution to the fight to save Busoga University, where he served as Vice Chancellor, was invaluable. Although we had our political differences, our shared vision for Busoga and Uganda brought us together on many occasions to work towards the greater good.
It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to a true patriot. Dr. Frank Nabwiiso’s legacy lives on through his immense contributions to both politics and education. May he rest in eternity. Comrade in the struggle, we hope to meet you in glory.
Amb. Moses Kawaaluuko Kizige
Head of Mission, Moscow
