The Head of the State House Investors Protection Unit (SHIPU), Col. Edith Nakalema, has launched a book celebrating the life and legacy of her late father, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda, highlighting his values of faith, discipline, family and community service.
Titled “My Father and I: The Power of Intentional Fatherhood,” the book was launched on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Protea Hotel Kampala in an event presided over by Vice President Jessica Alupo.
Alupo commended Col. Nakalema for preserving her father’s legacy and documenting his contribution to the Church, family and society.
Rev. Sserwadda (1949–2025) was an Anglican priest and community leader who served as a lay reader for 53 years before being ordained as a priest. He dedicated his life to serving God, the Church and his community.
Proceeds from the sale of the book will support the completion of All Saints Church, Kanyeganyegye in Kashari, which is being constructed in memory of Rev. Sserwadda.
Alupo described Col. Nakalema as a reflection of the values instilled in her by her father, saying her actions demonstrate responsibility, maturity and commitment to serving others.
“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,” Alupo said.
She praised Col. Nakalema for finding strength after the loss of her father, noting that faith provides comfort during difficult times.
“I am happy that we stood with you during the difficult time when you lost your father. Thank you for coming to terms with it and allowing God to do what He can. A life lived in faith in God will never be in vain,” Alupo said.
The Vice President described Rev. Sserwadda’s life as an example of dedication and selfless service, saying he not only preached the gospel but lived by its principles.
“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,” she said.
Alupo also conveyed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s greetings to Col. Nakalema and her family and announced his pledge of Shs20 million towards the completion of the church project.
She further commended Col. Nakalema for her commitment to public service, describing her as a dedicated servant of the country.
In her remarks, Col. Nakalema said the book was a tribute to her father, whom she described as a source of inspiration, faith and discipline throughout her life.
“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 said her father taught her that parenthood is a sacred responsibility and that love, faith and service form the foundation of a meaningful life.
Col. Nakalema recalled growing up in Kashari, Mbarara District, in a home with limited financial resources but rich in love, discipline and faith.
“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.
She said Rev. Sserwadda prioritised education and ensured that all his five children attained university education and became responsible members of society.
“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 also highlighted her father’s commitment to hard work and humility, recalling how he engaged in different forms of labour to support his family.
“To earn our school fees, Taata fabricated metal beds for schools, made water gutters and worked with his hands. He served with humility and dedication and never allowed us to despise honest labour,” she said.
She said the idea of establishing the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation was conceived after her father’s death as a way of preserving his legacy and continuing his service to humanity.
According to Col. Nakalema, the foundation has supported the construction of 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.
Col. Nakalema also expressed appreciation to President Museveni for his guidance and trust in assigning her responsibilities in public service, saying the experience shaped her understanding of patriotism, discipline and commitment.
She also thanked First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni, whom she described as a second mother.
Former Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Dr. Henry Luke Orombi, urged children to respect and honour their parents, saying parents play a key role in shaping their children’s future.
“God is the blessing giver, but parents are the source of your blessings,” Orombi said.
He commended Rev. Sserwadda for raising responsible children and described Col. Nakalema as someone who keeps her word.
“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, urged parents to positively influence their children so that their legacy continues beyond their lifetime.
He praised Rev. Sserwadda for his decades of service to the Church and community.
Secretary of the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation, Senior Counsel Francis Gimara, said the book promotes the importance of intentional fatherhood and responsible parenting.
“The book speaks directly to our theme: the power of intentional fatherhood. When fathers lead with good intentions, families flourish and societies grow stronger,” Gimara said.
On behalf of the Sserwadda family, Eng. Daniel Tayebwa thanked friends, supporters and well-wishers for supporting the foundation and the completion of the church project.
The event was attended by senior government officials, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community, private sector representatives and other guests.
