The John Ntambirweki Foundation
ABOUT PROF. NTAMBIRWEKI
Prof. John Ntambirweki was a trailblazing, towering legal mind with an unmatched passion for the rule of law, environmental international law and enhancing access to higher education. Born in 1955 in Kagongi, Kashaari District, to Erimonsi and Evangeline Ntambirweki, his journey towards academic excellence and service began at Makobore High School, Kinyasano in Rukungiri District, where he obtained his Ordinary School Certificate in 1973. He furthered his education at Nabumali High School, Mbale District, earning his Advanced School Certificate in 1975.
In 1976, he embarked on his pursuit of legal studies at Makerere University, graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Laws degree, distinguished among the top 1% of his class, being one of four students who graduated with an Upper Second. During his time at Makerere, he rubbed shoulders with illustrious peers such as Hon Jim Muhwezi now minister of state for Security, Gen David Tinyefuuza Sejusa, General Kale Kayihura, the late Simon Kagugube and the late Fred Karugonjo among many others
Prof. Ntambirweki’s journey took a turn towards public service when he joined the intelligence services under President Godfrey Binaisa in 1979, followed by military training in Cuba. However, political upheavals led him to seek refuge in Kenya in 1981, where he enrolled for his Master of Laws at the University of Nairobi.
“An educated country cannot be defeated. Africa as a continent is poised to take off as long as education of this generation and the next is assured.”
– Prof. John Ntambirweki –
His thirst for knowledge and commitment to justice propelled him to Canada in 1984, where he pursued doctoral studies at Queens University, Toronto. Despite not completing his doctorate, he was appointed as a lecturer by the University of Nairobi in 1987, marking the beginning of a distinguished academic career. In 1991, he was appointed as a Senior Lecturer at Makerere, a position he held until 2005. During his time at Makerere he also founded the Department of Law at Uganda Christian University Mukono, and was the department’s inaugural head.
Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Ntambirweki remained dedicated to advancing international law, environmental law and access to higher education, publishing prolifically and sharing his expertise as a visiting professor at esteemed institutions worldwide. He served as a consultant to governments and various international organizations such as UNEP, UNDP, IUCN / ELC, PAC, FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, UNECA, ACTS, GTZ, DANIDA, IDRC and many others in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Gambia, Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leonne, Egypt, Pakistan and Ethiopia. Over the years, Prof. Ntambirweki’s expertise in law and environmental governance garnered international recognition.
In 2001, he embarked on a groundbreaking endeavour by founding the Grotius School of Law, later renamed the Uganda Pentecostal University in 2005, where he served as Vice Chancellor until his passing in April 2023. His commitment to expanding access to higher education transformed countless lives and left a lasting mark on the East African academic landscape. Under his leadership and mentorship, thousands of young East Africans have attained university level education, many through an innovative bursary and scholarship scheme at the Uganda Pentecostal University.
Prof. Ntambirweki left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His genorisity, bubbly personality, wit, dance moves and his sense of humor are greatly missed.
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Prof. Ntambirweki Close, Katuuso, Buziga, Kampala, Uganda
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