About Prof. Sebastian Kakule Kyalwazi

Prof. Sebastian Kakule Kyalwazi was the first African Surgeon in East and Central Africa.

Born in Masaka district on October 30th, 1920, he went to school at Lubaga and Kitovu for his primary education. He joined St. Mary’s College Kisubi where he completed his secondary school education.

In 1942, he joined Makerere University College and in 1948 he graduated from Makerere University. He joined the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburg in 1961 and the first African Surgeon in East and Central Afica.

Among his many achievements, he was the first Ugandan Surgeon to head the department of Surgery at Makerere University / Mulago Hospital, was involved in the initial discussions that led to the establishment of Uganda Cancer Institute, and was the President of the Rotary Club of Kampala in 1979.

He was awarded the Order of St. Gregory of the Catholic Church and served as the head of the medical team when the Pope visited Uganda in 1969.

He died on 25th January 1992 having lost his battle to pancreatic Cancer. He was given a state funeral befitting his stature and honoring his contribution to the country.

The Association of Surgeons of Uganda remembers his sacrifice annually during the Kyalwazi Memorial Lecture.

Pictorial Memorial