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Kisekka, Samson Mululu (1912–1999)

By Reuben T. Mugerwa

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Reuben T. Mugerwa

First Published: July 31, 2024

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Samson Mululu Kisekka was thus far the only Adventist in Uganda to become a Prime Minister and eventually a Vice President of the Republic of Uganda.

Early life

Born Friday evening, June 23, 1912, he was named Samson Babi Mululu Kisekka. Samson was the third of five sons to Paul Mululu Babikulya of the Lion Clan, a Muluka chief in Kyaggwe Mbaligga in Kyaggwe. His mother was Korita Namuli Babikulya of the Monkey Clan. God blessed their marriage with five sons: Kiyimba (died 1988), Yosamu Kasalirye, Samson Kisekka (died October 24, 1999), Paul Katerega, and Amos Sserwadda. His parents’ religious affiliation was in the Anglican tradition, so it was in that church that he was baptized as a baby. His parents chose the Christian name of Samson because it was their hope that he would one day be a strong leader and champion of his people.1

Kisekka recalls that his father was a serious, hard-working, industrious chief in a moderate-size village. They lived in the area that is now known as Nakifuma County in the Central Province, about 34 kilometres from Kampala. His family was not wealthy, but of average means. Kisekka’s upbringing was extremely valuable for him throughout the years. Kisekka shared that self-reliance was the rule of the household. From an early age, he was taught to do for himself. All five boys were awakened early each morning, and everyone was assigned chores. Their parents taught them the value of work. Throughout his early elementary schooling, he hurried home to do his share. He owned a plot of cotton. His mother saw to it that her children help her in housekeeping. They had very little, if any, leisure time. Still, Kisekka learned from his mother to have a cheerful contentment. From his father, he learned commitment to community service and helping the needy and neglected.2

Education

Starting his formal education at the age of nine, Kisekka attended schools away from home in Nakifuma County: Kira Primary School, Ngogwe Primary School, Buddo King’s College for his “O” Level and ”A” Level education, and Makerere University, where he was given six years of scholarship to study medicine.

After five years, as a result of his impressive performance, he was awarded scholarship for a period of three years for Secondary education tenable at King’s College Buddo. Kisekka is proud of his Buddo connection. On October 29, 1989, when he was awarded first class Order of Merit of the United Old Buddonians, he accepted it with a great sense of ostentation. After Buddo, he gained another scholarship, this time for six years to study medicine at Makerere College, where he qualified in 1938 with the Diploma in Medicine and Surgery. He was appointed head prefect at Makerere College in 1935. A first class scholar, administrator and a first eleven footballer (representing Uganda versus Kenya), he won the Archer Prize (allaround prize for the best all-arounder at Makerere) in December 1935. During his school/college days, Samson was always bent on standing on his own two feet. He was always in search of self-confidence. Samson Kisekka obtained his Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch.B.) degree of the University of East Africa in 1960.3

Marriage

After one year of civil service, Kisekka decided the time was right to marry pretty Mary Nanfuka Muwonge. So, on February 3, 1940, Samson and Mary were joined together in marriage. Her father was Muwonge and a medical assistant. Her mother was Erina Muwonge. Mary had only one brother called James Ndawula who died in a motor accident. God blessed their union with 16 children, eight boys and eight girls: Nightingale Zaweede, Gladys Ndagire, Mary Nakaterega, James Katerega, Samuel Ssebufu, Robinah Luweede, Margret Nakalema, Paul Kabengwa Walugembe, Joy Nakisekka, Samson Kisekka Jr., Deborah Zalwango, Eseza Namara, James Ndawula, Justine Ssegamwenge, Rebecca Nakisozi, and John Kalema.4

Mary Kisekka felt that her greatest commitment and contentment was to provide for her husband and family. Her key to enduring the difficulties and trials that have faced her family has been prayer. Her strength has always been through praying to God, and she felt that God was always leading. Kisekka remembered that self-discipline and self-reliance were ideals for them as young couple to strive for. He points out that, at the time of their marriage, he made very little money, so hard work and frugality were the order of the day in their home. Such traits held his family together during hard times. Both believed above all, however, that it was love for each other that had been enduring strength of their marriage.5

Kisekka Finds Adventism

While Samson was precocious and sensitive, he was not what one would consider overly religious. He went to church with his family (which was Anglican in faith), he believed in God, and he viewed the Bible as a good book of moral principles. Never given to drinking, smoking, or a profligate lifestyle, Samson enjoyed the services at the Anglican Church, but was not deeply moved. Though interested in the prayers, Bible reading and singing, he never considered himself as having had a conversion experience per se.

One Friday evening in Kampala, the 42-year-old physician slowly drove home after a hectic but profitable day of treating patients. Arriving at home, Dr. Kisekka greeted his wife and children. Then he picked up the Uganda Herald, the national daily newspaper, and settled down to catch up on the news. Glancing through the paper, he immediately noticed a prominent advertisement: “You Are Invited to the Bible Speaks Crusade.” According to the announcement, Evangelist M. E. Lind, a Seventh-day Adventist minister, would use the Bible to address everyday questions, demonstrating ways God’s Word can help to achieve happiness and a satisfying life. These were big claims, but interesting. They attracted Kisekka’s attention. He recalled the days when he had studied the Bible as a student in the Scripture Union. Even now he was actively involved in Uganda Bible Society and the YMCA. But when he noticed that opening meeting was to be held on the coming Sunday, he dismissed the thought because he already had a previous appointment in another part of the city.

The evangelistic meetings forgotten, Kisekka left for his Sunday evening engagement. He was scheduled to meet with a government official about a matter of great importance. However, to his surprise, when he reached the place of his appointment, he discovered that the official had gone, having had to unexpectedly cancel their appointment. Kisekka decided to return home by another route. On his way he was attracted by a large crowd and a big tent. It was located on the side of the road, with a large attractive sign that read: “BIBLE SPEAKS CRUSADE.” It was the only then he remembered that he had seen such an advertisement in the newspaper two days ago. Kisekka was captivated and excited; people were everywhere, talking, smiling, and chatting happily as they entered the big tent. He had never seen anything like it in those days. And the music was solemn; deep, rich singing could be heard from the tent. Listening to music was one of his hobbies, and this was some of the best religious music he had ever heard. Kiseka entered the tent, which was packed to capacity, and found a seat. He enjoyed everything, but the most impressive part of the service was the preaching. Pastor Lind explained the Bible texts very clearly. For the first time in his life, the Bible came alive; as the Pastor compared one text with another. Kisekka understood Bible truths more clearly than ever before. He was riveted to his seat during the whole service. When future subjects were announced, he knew he would be back. After the meeting, he went home and related the whole experience to his wife, Mary. They decided to attend the meetings. For the next three months, they did not miss a night. At the end, they joined the baptismal class. Both were baptized as part of a large group on Saturday, May 15, 1954.6

For Kisekka, conversion to the Seventh-day Adventist Church was a surprise that changed his life. He believed that God in His providence caused him to miss his appointment with the government official to make a more important appointment with heaven. In Adventism, Kisekka found Jesus, the missing dimension in his life. Kisekka appreciated the Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle, especially believing it is for the betterment of the individual. He has evidenced a deep love and respect for Adventism and its people and became an active member for the next over four decades. Kisekka was particularly keen to see the Adventist church in Uganda provide more comprehensive education, training, and development for church leaders. He emphasized the value not only of theoretical knowledge, but also technical and agricultural skills. With wholistic education and ethical, devoted church leadership, Kisekka envisioned that the church will be better prepared to face the future.7

Legacy

After his graduation, Kisekka worked in the British Civil Service for 14 years (1939-1953). He worked at hospitals across Uganda. During the 14 years stay in Uganda Civil Service, he played a strategic role in fighting for recognition of African physicians. He got deeply involved in medical programs for the general public and for orphans and other disadvantaged groups.

In 1953, he was granted a medical licence for private practice. It was this private practice which resulted into Kisekka Foundation Hospital. Thousands of Ugandans were treated in the Hospital. Adventists in Central Province of Uganda were always treated in the Hospital unless it was a referral case.

From 1959-1964, he was an elected representative to the Buganda Lukiiko, representing Sentema Constituency in Busiiro. While at this great parliament of Buganda, Ssekabaka Mutesa II appointed him the minister of Health and Works for the Buganda government for the period of 1964-1966 when Obote attacked the Royal Palace and the King had to flee to the U.K. for safety.8

During this same period in his life, he remained active in the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s affairs. Dr. Kisekka started an organization that shows the level and extent of his concern. Two thoughts began to press themselves upon his mind. First was his people’s need for education. Dr. Kiseka always considered himself debt to the community whose tax payments had provided the scholarships for his studies at the secondary school and university. When he visited the U.S. at the invitation of the Riverside Seventh-day Adventist Sanitarium in 1956/57, he could observe the opportunities available to the young people to be awarded scholarships by various charity organizations for the enhancement of their education right up to university level. This encouraged the determination and vision he already possessed, to do something about young peoples’ education on his return home.

With all that background, he established a scholarship fund in January 1988, and awards were made to seven primary school graduates for their distinguished performance at Primary Leaving examination, coupled with good behavior at their respective primary schools. In 1992, the number of recipients reached more than 50, covering more than 15 districts. The policy of this six years’ scholarship award has a condition that two of the recipients each year must be orphans, and at least one of the remaining must be a girl.9

With those thoughts in mind, he felt the only way to get knowledge and unity was through the fellowship of believers. He started an organization called Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Association (SEDAWA). The purpose of SEDAWA was to provide opportunity for practical fellowship, spiritual growth, and planning. The association’s aim is to provide for the needs of the unfortunate both inside and outside the church. It was not conceived as a profit-making enterprise. It was a charitable organization that is associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The associations objectives were:

  1. To provide for the welfare of church members.

  2. To spread Adventism with its everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ.

  3. To facilitate education and health teachings for church members and the general public in any way possible. SEDAWA was an idea whose time had come.

The Adventism in Uganda was preserved as a result of the efforts of the members and supporters of SEDAWA. Dr. Kisekka, chairperson of this organization until the time of his exile (1955-1981), gave this report concerning SEDAWA’s activities during the time of persecution: “In September 1977, when the Seventh-day Adventist Church and several other churches were banned by Idi Amin Dada government, SEDAWA came forward immediately to stabilize the three districts around Kampala while the mission field and its workers were sorting out their problems with the government under the name SEDAWA, Ltd. With this official status, the association was instrumental in registering Bugema College with the government under the name Bugema College Association so that the College would not be closed but would continue to be operated by the Seventh-day Adventists under SEDAWA.

“All through the time of the ban this arrangement worked very successfully, and through SEDAWA we were able to operate our College, preach the gospel and look after the welfare of our church members. Many people were baptized during this period, and SEDAWA maintained the Church until April 1979 when Idi Amin was toppled. SEDAWA also claimed Ishaka Adventist Hospital.’’10

Dr. Kisekka was devoted to the Adventist church’s ministry. He was a director of the Uganda YMCA (Young Men Christian Association) for ten years (1965-1975). He was a life member of Uganda Bible Society and a member of the International Religious Liberty Organization since 1987. He was an elder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

He particularly loved the history that led to the rise of Adventism. For every speech recorded on religion, he always referred to William Miller, a farmer who made a pledge to God that he would present his views if he was invited. He loved the period of October 22, 1844. He and his wife made a special pilgrimage to Port Gibson, New York, Hiram Edson’s farmhouse, and the rock where the believers had gathered on October 22, 1844.

In 1980, Kisekka began to speak out against Obote’s election and policies, and immediately he became a marked man. His life was in danger, and his days in Uganda were numbered. In 1981, Kisekka went into the exile (1981-1986). On Tuesday, December 29, 1981, four days after Dr. Kisekka went into exile, his prosperous farm was totally destroyed. His houses and buildings were vandalized, riddled with bullets, then blown up. His livestock were killed and butchered. His equipment and machinery were confiscated or destroyed. His land was razed. Dr. Kisekka Hospital and the Nursing Home in Kampala met a similar fate. These medical services that were supplementing the existing medical facilities in the country were destroyed.11

In December 1985, Dr. Kisekka was chosen by NRM, a leading freedom fighter group, to be the chairperson of the Peace Delegation of 10 people in Nairobi to negotiate peace between Okello Lutwa’s military government that had overthrown the Obote II government. Dr. Kisekka used the opportunity to tell whoever wanted to listen that he was a Seventh-day Adventist, therefore he could not chair a meeting on Saturday (Sabbath). This meeting resulted into signing of the Nairobi Peace accords. This Adventist leader had performed a detailed and meticulous work. The Peace Delegation under his chairpersonship did a very commendable job that could pass any international evaluation.

January 29, 1986, a few weeks after the signing of the Nairobi Peace Accords, he became Uganda’s prime minister (1986-1990). Then he became the vice-president (1990-1994). In this same year, he retired from active politics at the age of 82.

In 1999, Dr. Kisekka began to develop some trouble breathing. He was admitted to the Mulago hospital. The specialists recommended further tests which they could not perform at Mulago. He was flown to University College Hospital, Camden, U.K. On October 24, 1999, Dr. Samson Babi Mululu Kisekka died at the age of 87. He was accorded a state funeral and buried at Temangalo, his home.12 Sixteen years later, his wife, Mary, was laid to rest by his side at Temangalo having died on May 16, 2015.13

In Temangalo lies a man who understood the secret of becoming a successful influential man and a leader. His speeches have been compiled into a book of 569 pages (see note 2).

Sources

Baker, Delbert W. From Exile to Prime Minister. Washington, D.C: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.

Syed, A. H. Abidi, ed. Challenges to Leadership in the Developing World: Speeches of Dr. Samson Kisekka, Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, Kampala, Kisekka Foundation.

Notes

  1. An interview with Samson Kisekka Jr., by the author, at Kawempe Church, May 15, 2024.↩

  2. Delbert W. Baker, From Exile to Prime Minister, Washington, D.C. (Review and Herald Publishing Association) 1988, 20.↩

  3. Syed A. H. Abidi, ed., Challenges to Leadership in the Developing World: Speeches of Dr. Samson Kisekka, Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, Kampala, (Kisekka Foundation), xxii-xxiv.↩

  4. Interview with Samson Kisekka Jr., by the author, at Kawempe Church, May 15, 2024.↩

  5. Baker, 50-53.↩

  6. Ibid., 62-63.↩

  7. Ibid., 71.↩

  8. Syed, xxv.↩

  9. Ibid., xxx.↩

  10. Elder Ronald Kasibante, an interview by the author at Bbunga English Church on May 6, 2024. Elder Kasibante was a close friend of Dr. Kisekka.↩

  11. Syed, xxv.↩

  12. Samson Kisekka Jr., an interview by the author, at Kawempe Church, May 15, 2024.↩

  13. https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/former-vp-wife-mary-kisekka-dead.↩

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Mugerwa, Reuben T. "Kisekka, Samson Mululu (1912–1999)." Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. July 31, 2024. Accessed July 04, 2025. https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=8JO8.

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Mugerwa, Reuben T. "Kisekka, Samson Mululu (1912–1999)." Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. July 31, 2024. Date of access July 04, 2025, https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=8JO8.

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Mugerwa, Reuben T. (2024, July 31). Kisekka, Samson Mululu (1912–1999). Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists. Retrieved July 04, 2025, https://encyclopedia.adventist.org/article?id=8JO8.

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