Mbale, (UG) — Makerere University has learnt with sadness of the demise of Mr. William Wokona Wasike, the former first university coordinator for the university’s Mbale Study Centre. Late Mr. Wasike, 86, served the university with distinction from the late 1970s up to 2001. He hailed from Namisindwa District in Bugisu subregion.
It is reported that Mr. Wasike played a very instrumental role in the acquisition of land for the establishment of the Makerere University Institute of Adult and Community Education in Mbale City, along Mumias Road. Up to now, this remains an essential part of the university’s expansion.
In the course of his tenure, Mr. Wasike worked with famous academics, including Magode Ikuya, Prof. Kiboma, and Chango Macho. His contributions did not stop in academia, for he was also an active political activist. Mr. Wasike worked with FRONASA and took up a political elective position as an LC II chairperson in Mbale municipal council in the early 1990s. The political struggle, most especially against Amin’s regime in the mid-70s where he involved himself, is well noted; Chango Macho, his fellow activist, later served as a minister in Museveni’s government.
The current Minister of State for East African Affairs, Hon. Magode Ikuya, termed Mr. Wasike an “academic icon.” He gave a resume underscoring the immense contributions the late made towards both education and local politics. Prof. Kiboma simply said that Mr. Wasike’s contributions to Makerere University should be recognized officially. He was supported by many members from the Mbale University forum such as Engineer Sakwa, Mr. Napokoli, and Dr. Wanyakala.
Makerere University Mbale Centre, located on Mabala Road, remains one of the three official centres of the university—a status shared with Jinja Centre and Lira Centre to cover the eastern region of Uganda. The late Mr. Wasike was laid to rest in Bumasaga, Mbale City, on Saturday, August 10.
His legacy is well-recorded both at Makerere University and Mbale Municipal Council, the contributions he made to the institution and community at large.
