In a heartfelt ceremony today, the community gathered in Rwenkureiju, Bubaare town council, Rubanda district to pay their final respects to Prof. John Tuhe Kakitahi, a pioneering figure in public health nutrition, who passed away at the age of 84. His legacy, marked by exceptional intellect, clinical acumen, and an unwavering dedication to combating hunger and malnutrition, was honored by colleagues, friends, and family.
Prof. Kakitahi was born on February 16, 1940. After completing his primary education at Kigezi High School and secondary education at Busoga College Mwiri and Kings College Budo, he pursued an MBChB at Makerere University, graduating in 1970. His career, spanning over four decades, saw significant contributions in various capacities, including as a Senior Casualty Officer at Mulago Hospital and later as a Deputy Principal at the Makerere University College of Health Sciences.
Throughout his tenure at the Institute of Public Health (IPH), Prof. Kakitahi’s impact was manifold. He established the Mwana Mugimu Nutrition Center in Mulago Hospital in the 1990s, a critical facility for treating kwashiorkor with the support of Rotary International. His efforts expanded beyond Kampala, setting up additional nutritional units across Uganda, significantly improving maternal-child health and human nutrition.
Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna the Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, speaking at the send-off ceremony, called on the community to honor Prof. Kakitahi’s legacy by building strong families rooted in faith. He emphasized the importance of couples nurturing their relationships with love, commitment, and mutual understanding, urging them to lead lives that leave lasting legacies.
Bishop Akanjuna also reminded mourners of the inevitability of death, encouraging them to put their faith in Jesus Christ and live exemplary lives as a testament to their faith. He called on parents to be good role models for their children, highlighting the accountability of one’s actions in life.
CUE IN………BISHOP AKANJUNA/RR//
Former Uganda Prime Minister and Presidential Envoy Rt. Hon. Livingston Ruhakana Rugunda, lauded Prof. Kakitahi as an outstanding figure whose innovative approaches played a crucial role in reducing the incidence of debilitating diseases like Polio and Kwashiorkor. Rugunda highlighted Prof. Kakitahi’s unwavering commitment to improving public health in Uganda and beyond.
“A respected lecturer and researcher, Prof. Kakitahi’s work transcended national borders. He represented Uganda at numerous international forums, sharing his expertise and advocating for better nutrition practices worldwide. His involvement in major health initiatives, such as the fight against Polio and Kwashiorkor, has left an enduring mark on global health”, said Rugunda.
CUE IN………..RUGUNDA//RR//
Prof. Kakitahi’s career was marked by numerous accolades and roles, including serving as a consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization and participating in nutrition review missions in several African countries. His dedication to public health and nutrition education has left an indelible mark on the landscape of healthcare.
ENDS//////
