The John Ntambirweki Foundation

Prof. Ntambirweki’s political service and activism are integral components of his life’s narrative, underscoring his resilience, commitment to justice, and dedication to effecting positive change in challenging socio-political contexts as highlighted.

• Service Under President Godfrey Binaisa: Prof. Ntambirweki joined the intelligence services under President Godfrey Binaisa in 1979. During this period, he was sent to Cuba for military training, where he led a group of 130 other individuals. However, President Binaisa was overthrown while he was in Cuba, leading to Prof. Ntambirweki’s eventual return to Uganda during the Obote II regime.
• Exile and Political Persecution: Due to intense political persecution upon his return from Cuba, Prof. Ntambirweki fled into exile to Kenya in 1981. This move was prompted by the hostile political environment in Uganda at the time.
• Continued Engagement: Despite being in exile, Prof. Ntambirweki remained engaged in political and academic activities. He continued his education and enrolled for his Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Nairobi in 1982.
• Contribution to Legal Education: While in exile, Prof. Ntambirweki’s activism extended to founding the Department of Law at Uganda Christian University Mukono. This initiative reflects his commitment to nurturing legal education and fostering intellectual growth, even in challenging political circumstances.
• Academic and Political Advocacy: Prof. Ntambirweki’s academic pursuits and consultancy work in international law and environmental law can also be seen as a form of activism. His research and publications contributed to shaping environmental policies and advocating for sustainable development, which inherently intersects with political agendas and activism.
• Advocacy for Human Rights: Prof. Ntambirweki’s decision to flee Uganda and seek refuge in Canada underscores his advocacy for human rights and opposition to political persecution. His experiences in exile likely informed his academic and professional endeavours, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of his political service and activism with his career trajectory.