Col. Edith Nakalema launches book honouring late father, celebrating the power of intentional fatherhood

The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has launched a book titled My Father and I: The Power of Intentional Fatherhood, paying tribute to her late father, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda, while raising funds to complete a church being built in his memory.

The book was unveiled on Tuesday, July 7, at Protea Hotel Kampala during a ceremony presided over by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who praised Col. Nakalema for preserving her father’s legacy and inspiring Ugandans through his story of faith, service and family leadership.

Rev. Sserwadda, who lived from 1949 to 2025, served the Anglican Church for more than five decades, beginning as a lay reader for 53 years before later being ordained as a priest. He was widely recognised for his commitment to Christian ministry, community service and raising a family grounded in faith and discipline.

Speaking at the launch, Vice President Alupo described the publication as a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplified selfless service and unwavering commitment to God.

“The book brings out the chronicles of the illustrious life of Rev. Sserwadda. We thank God for his life because he dedicated himself to serving God and the Church. He did not only preach the gospel; he lived by it,” Alupo said.

She commended Col. Nakalema for remaining steadfast after her father’s passing and for choosing to celebrate his life through literature and community development.

“In Africa, when one says you are a good child, it demonstrates maturity, responsibility and, most importantly, steadfastness in maintaining humanity through relationships with others and through what you do for society,” she said.

The Vice President also conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and announced the President’s contribution of Shs20 million towards completing All Saints Church, Kanyeganyegye, Kashari, whose construction is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Sserwadda.

Alupo further applauded Col. Nakalema’s public service, describing her as an incorruptible leader whose integrity had earned the confidence of many leaders.

“Due to her incorruptible character, Nakalema saved me from losing an election. If it was not for her, I would have lost that election in the past,” she said.

In her address, Col. Nakalema said the book is both a personal tribute and a guide highlighting the importance of intentional parenting, particularly fatherhood.

“My father was, in every sense, an extraordinary man to us as a family and to many communities that he served. He was not only a provider but also a nurturer, protector, teacher and guide,” she said.

She recalled growing up in Kashari, Mbarara District, in a home that lacked material wealth but was rich in love, discipline and Christian values.

“My siblings and I were raised in a home that had little money but never, for a single day, felt poor. What we had was love, intentional presence, confidence and faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ,” she said.

According to Col. Nakalema, her father considered education the greatest inheritance he could leave his children, ensuring that all five of them attained university education despite limited financial resources.

She described Rev. Sserwadda as a hardworking and humble man who undertook various manual jobs, including fabricating metal beds and making water gutters, to pay school fees and provide for his family.

“Taata gave opportunities where others saw burdens. His life proved that generosity is not measured by the size of one’s income but by the size of one’s heart,” she said.

Col. Nakalema revealed that following her father’s death, the family established the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation to preserve his legacy and continue his commitment to serving communities.

She said proceeds from the sale of the book and an accompanying fundraising auction will go towards completing All Saints Church, Kanyeganyegye, which is nearing completion.

“Proceeds from this book and auction will be directed towards the completion of Omuburizi-Taata Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda’s church,” she said.

She also expressed gratitude to President Museveni for mentoring her throughout her public service career and thanked First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, whom she described as her second mother.

Former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, urged children to honour and respect their parents, saying they remain the foundation of God’s blessings in their lives.

“God is the blessing giver, but parents are the source of your blessings,” Orombi said.

He praised Rev. Sserwadda for raising responsible children and commended Col. Nakalema as a woman of integrity.

“Your father has remained a father because he is not dead; he is still alive in his children,” he said.

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, encouraged parents to intentionally shape the lives of their children through faith, character and service so that their influence continues long after they are gone.

Senior Counsel Francis Gimara, Secretary of the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation, said the publication delivers an important message about the role fathers play in building strong families and communities.

“The book speaks directly to our theme: the power of intentional fatherhood. When fathers lead with good intentions, families flourish and societies grow stronger,” he said.

On behalf of the family, Eng. Daniel Tayebwa thanked friends, supporters and well-wishers for backing the Foundation’s efforts to complete the memorial church and preserve Rev. Sserwadda’s legacy.

The launch attracted senior government officials, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and other distinguished guests, reflecting the wide respect Rev. Sserwadda earned through decades of service to the Church and the nation.