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, in honour of her late father, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda.
The book launch, held at Protea Hotel Kampala, was presided over by the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, who commended Col. Nakalema for preserving her father’s legacy and celebrating his contribution to faith, family and community service.
Rev. Sserwadda (1949–2025) was a distinguished 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, Kashari, which is being constructed in memory of Rev. Sserwadda.
H.E. Alupo praised Col. Nakalema for being a good daughter and a reflection of the values instilled in her by her father.
“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,” the Vice President said.
She commended Col. Nakalema for finding strength after the loss of her father, noting that faith provides comfort during difficult moments.
“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,” H.E. Alupo said.
The Vice President described Rev. Sserwadda’s life as an example of dedicated service and thanked him for raising children who continue to contribute positively to society.
“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.
H.E. Alupo also conveyed greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to Col. Nakalema and her family and announced the President’s pledge of Shs20 million towards the completion of the church.
She further commended Col. Nakalema for her dedication to public service, describing her as a committed servant of the nation.
“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,” the Vice President said.
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.
Col. Nakalema said her father taught her that parenthood is a sacred responsibility and that love, faith and service are the foundation of a meaningful life.
She recalled growing up in Kashari, Mbarara District, in a home with limited resources but abundant 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 noted that despite his limited resources, Rev. Sserwadda prioritised education and ensured that all his five children attained university education and became responsible citizens.
“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 various 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 revealed that 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 the new All Saints Church, Kanyeganyegye, which is now 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 mentorship, guidance and trust in assigning her responsibilities in public service.
“The trust H.E. the President put in me shaped my public life and gave me a deeper understanding of patriotism, discipline and commitment to dedicated service to my country,” she said.
She also thanked First Lady Maama 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 that parents play an important role in shaping the lives of their children.
“God is the blessing giver, but parents are the source of your blessings,” Bishop Orombi said.
He commended Rev. Sserwadda for raising responsible children and described Col. Nakalema as a person 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 make a positive impact in the lives of their children so that their legacy continues beyond their lifetime.
He praised Rev. Sserwadda for his decades of service to the Church and community.
The Secretary of the Rev. Sserwadda Foundation, Senior Counsel Francis Gimara, thanked guests for attending the launch and commended Col. Nakalema for documenting a story that promotes intentional fatherhood.
“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 Rev. Sserwadda family, Eng. Daniel Tayebwa thanked friends, supporters and well-wishers for standing with the family in establishing the Foundation and supporting the completion of the church.
The event was attended by senior government officials, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and other distinguished guests.
