Frank Nabwiso Bio, Education, Career, & Death

Key Facts

• Frank Nabwiso (1940–2024) was a pioneering Ugandan scholar, media figure, politician, and educator, best known as the first person to anchor Lusoga news on Radio Uganda, and for his significant contributions to Uganda’s education, politics, and community development.

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Frank Nabwiso (1940 – December 13, 2024) was a renowned Ugandan scholar, politician, educator, and media pioneer. He is best known as the first person to anchor Lusoga news on the national broadcaster UTV (formerly Radio Uganda), making a historic contribution to promoting local languages in Uganda’s media landscape.

Early Life and Education

Frank Nabwiso was born in 1940 at Bugembe Maternity Centre in Jinja District, Uganda, to Ezekiel Kijja Bulima and Eseza Ruth Matama. His early education began at Jinja Sub-Grade School (now St James Senior Secondary School) and continued at Kamuli Junior Secondary School and Busoga College Mwiri, where he demonstrated strong academic potential.

Nabwiso pursued further education at Kyambogo Teachers College, graduating as a Grade III teacher. He then continued his studies at Makerere University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science in 1967. Later that year, he received a scholarship to Sussex University in the UK, where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Development Studies in 1969. In 1976, Nabwiso completed his PhD in Adult Education and Rural Development at Wisconsin Madison University.

Career in Media and Education

Nabwiso’s professional career in media began on October 1, 1962, when he became the first Musoga to anchor Lusoga news on Radio Uganda. This achievement was a significant milestone in the promotion of local languages in Ugandan media. In addition to his media contributions, Nabwiso was dedicated to education and played a significant role in Uganda’s academic development.

After completing his studies abroad, he returned to Uganda and joined Makerere University, where he worked as a Resident Tutor, succeeding Professor Apollo Nsibambi. His academic career later took him to Nairobi, where he worked for the International Planned Parenthood Federation as a Regional Education Officer for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Political Involvement

In 1984, Nabwiso joined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and became Secretary for its External Wing. His political career also saw him take part in peace talks in Nairobi in 1985 between the government of Gen. Tito Okello Lutwa and the National Resistance Army (NRA) led by Yoweri Museveni.

From 1987, Nabwiso served as the Executive Director of the Uganda Export Promotion Council, a position he held for five years. He also served as the second Director of the AIDS Information Centre from 1987 to 1990, where he contributed to Uganda’s efforts in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In 2001, Nabwiso was elected as a Member of Parliament for Kagoma County, serving a single term. He remained politically active, later being appointed Secretary of the Inter-Party Cooperation in 2008, an alliance of key political parties that advocated for multiparty democracy.

Academic Contributions and Community Service

In 2013, Nabwiso was appointed Acting Vice Chairperson of Busoga University, where he continued to contribute to the education sector. He also volunteered at the Jinja-based Cultural Research Center under Jinja Diocese, dedicating his time to mentorship and knowledge-sharing.

Personal Life and Legacy

Nabwiso was a devoted family man, survived by his nine children, including Jonathan and Mathew Nabwiso, three of whom were adopted. His life and career were a testament to his commitment to education, public service, and national development.

Dr. Frank Nabwiso passed away on December 13, 2024, at the Church of Uganda Hospital in Mukono at the age of 84. His legacy of leadership, education, and dedication to Uganda’s development continues to be remembered by the nation.