Kabale University was rocked by the news on February 16th that Associate Professor Sarah Nachuha Kasozi had passed away. Godfrey Sempungu, who worked closely with her on the SEBU project, Tropical Biology Association Forest restoration project and in other administrative capacities, tries to distill Sarah’s life story into a few words. Sempungu writes that Sarah was a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, touching many lives with her unwavering dedication and passion for education. Her contributions to University education for many years in Uganda & Rwanda and the SEBU project will be remembered as a testament to her remarkable spirit and commitment to excellence.
Many people tell stories about the good old star that shines faithfully and brightly even on the darkest of days when there is no moon to provide it with light. Many travellers rely on that faithful star as their guiding light, and it remains the only beacon of hope during the darkest hours of the night. Sarah was such a star that has been known to shine brightly at Kabale University! The warm smile, gentle voice, and kind heart of Associate Professor Sarah Nachuha touched many hearts. In spite of this, the good Lord decided that the world had had enough of her and took her to his abode to be kept. She will remain in the minds and hearts of many who worked with her and were mentored by her for a very long time.
She exemplified the meaning of humility and kindness. In no way was it surprising that her colleagues in the teaching staff elected her to serve on Kabale University’s second governing council. On the 16th of February the early morning news of her death was doubted. In his tribute to her, Dr. Julius Arinaitwe, Chief of Research and Grants and fellow researcher recounted that day as he writes. In memory of Associate Professor Sarah Nachuha, with whom I had the privilege of working at Kabale University, it is with heavy hearts that I pay tribute. Her passing on February 16th 2025 was not just a personal loss but also a loss for the academic and conservation communities in Uganda.”
As Julius noted: Sarah was a pleasure to work with, humble, honest, and dedicated to excellence. She was a very quick thinker and extremely intelligent, and she had a way of engaging colleagues and students in a way that made them feel valued and supported. In addition to being generous with her time, she was always available to listen, support, and offer advice whenever necessary. Despite great challenges, she always smiled and found a way to laugh, which inspired confidence.
Sarah’s strategic thinking and problem-solving skills were highly valued as Dean of the Faculty of Science. She was able to examine challenges, recognize the opportunities they presented, and articulate how we could utilize those opportunities to improve the situation. By teaching by example, she inspired staff and students to strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
As one of the country’s best-trained ornithologists, Sarah was dedicated to advancing the science of ornithology in Uganda by developing projects, seeking sponsorships, and supervising students. In her projects, she pushed everyone involved to perform at their best because she was passionate about scientific rigor and quality research. As she studied her birds in the field, Sarah would not tire, spending hours after hours even in very difficult terrain. She has published extensively on the birds of Uganda, particularly the waterbirds. Julius concludes that what I will miss most about Sarah is her humility, her positive attitude, and her ability to smile and laugh in all situations. It was very uplifting to see how she treated all individuals with respect and empathy. She left a lasting legacy in the lives of those she touched.
The Head of the Department of Biology, Dr. Dennis Okello, has also eulogized Sarah Nachuha as follows: Working with Prof. Sarah Nachuha was both an inspiration and an honor. In her role as a colleague and fellow administrator, she brought great dedication, focus, and vision to the Department of Biological Sciences as well as later to the Faculty of Science. Her leadership was characterized by an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and institutional development. She was not only instrumental in securing competitive research grants, but also in raising the visibility of our faculty and the University on a national and international level through the development of meaningful collaborations and impactful research. What I will miss most about her is her ability to connect deeply with colleagues-always approachable, genuinely empathetic, and constantly encouraging others to rise to their potential. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all for many years to come.
Loy Natukunda, an MSc Environmental Sciences student who worked closely under Sarah’s mentorship on the SEBU project recalls, “During all the time I interacted with her, she always wished us the best beyond the project and always offered to recommend me for opportunities.”. As an example, she recommended me to the Tropical Biology Association and Cambridge University Student Conference on Conservation Science 2025. As Loy recalls, she was always supportive and always encouraged them to reach for the stars. “She always prayed for me to join the conservation field and introduced me to most of her friends,” Loy recalls. Loy and many others were impacted by her unwavering support and encouragement. She not only opened doors to new opportunities, but also instilled confidence and a sense of purpose in those she mentored. Those who had the privilege of working with her will remember her kindness and dedication for the rest of their lives.Loy laments as she notes that “While it is unfortunate that she did not attend my graduation, I am grateful that she completed her supervisory work for my dissertation and I also obtained a position in conservation, which I had long aspired to.”
Dr Fiona Mutekanga, the head of the Department of Environmental Sciences, remembers Sarah for her unwavering commitment to her family, her work, and her achievements. Fiona describes her as driven not only by ambition but also by a desire to achieve meaningful results. Moreover, she emphasizes that “her guiding vision was one of excellence, which was reflected in her high professional standards, time management, and meticulous fulfillment of her responsibilities”. Sarah demonstrated this quality when dealing with superiors, collaborating with peers, mentoring those under her supervision, or serving those who benefitted from her efforts. Integrity, precision, and diligence were her hallmarks at all levels.
Furthermore, Fiona points out that Sarah’s mentorship left a lasting impression, she inspired others to reach higher, leaving a profound and lasting impression on all those she mentored. As a result of Sarah’s tireless dedication, the university received significant grants and she was offered numerous prestigious positions in both academic and administrative capacities, both locally and internationally. In spite of her many accomplishments, Sarah lived a life of grace. The qualities that made her an exceptional professional and a truly admirable individual were simplicity, diplomacy, and an innate respect for those around her. Due to her natural gifting, she touched the lives of many people.
Dr Daniel Buyinza who deputised Sarah as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science narrates; “Sarah convinced me into leadership and her mentorship was cut short.” Buyinza applauds her open mindedness and straight forward approach to disagreement. He recounts how she chose calmness when solving problems. She was committed to her work, an outstanding scholar who mentored others and will be remembered as a result-oriented researcher.
During the Uganda Vice Chancellors forum meeting that happened a day after Sarah’s passing, the Vice Chancellor Prof Joy Kwesiga highlighted the big loss KAB has suffered because of her passing and he commended her for her work in mentoring others in Kabale University, Islamic University of Uganda before KAB and University of Technology and Arts at Byumba where she was a visiting scholar on exchange program but had also worked there for years. The members of the Uganda Vice Chancellors forum upon a request from Prof Kwesiga held a moment of silence in honor of the late Associate Professor Nachuha Sarah Kasozi.
She gave hope to those who sought her advice. The day Loy Natukunda told her she had applied and conducted interviews for the Nature Uganda job opportunity, she asked me why I had not asked her for a recommendation letter. I just told her that I did not wish to disturb her as she was very busy. Nevertheless, she assured me that I would pass the interview and be chosen for the position. This ultimately proved to be the case. Essentially, she was a true ‘Muslim-mulokole’. In addition to being a parent, friend, and teacher, I found her to be a true Muslim. I believe she is now resting in heaven.
Farewell, Sarah. Until we meet again, your light will continue to guide and illuminate our lives. In our lives, you have left an indelible mark that will never fade.
