My life has been under construction for over 35 years. Recent attempts to recall who has made what contribution to it have revealed a human limitation—I cannot remember everything.

Nonetheless, the same attempts produced vivid memories of gallant men whose way of life has left an indelible mark upon mine; men whose lives have been my lessons.

This article is a tribute to those men, as I hope that my life will, in some way, reflect the many godly virtues they have modelled. 

Kaganzi Brian

A few years ago, I would not have included Kaganzi on this list of elders because when I first met him, I mistook him for my peer. 

I held onto this erroneous assumption for a long time until one day, while we were on our way to visit his ailing father-in-law, Kaganzi mentioned his age in passing. When I quickly computed his age, he was over a decade older than me. I could not believe it!

The depth of access that Kaganzi allowed me into his life and his selfless interest in mine had made us peers despite the age difference.

On many occasions, whenever nightfall found us together, he gave me a lift back home, ensuring he left me as close to home as his vehicle could get. And, once he got home, he would call or text to check if I arrived safely. Then he would sign off with "I love you."

With Kaganzi, I experienced love in action.

Kigula M.B. Joseph 

During a fellowship dedicated to celebrating 25 years of their marriage, his wife remarked, "Joseph does not know himself."

What she meant was that although Kigula has achieved a lot to grant him the right to be proud, he has remained humble and selfless.

Kigula does not seem to even know his age. If it were not for reasons obvious to the eye, his youthful vigour and curiosity would have misled me into thinking he too was my peer.

For fellowships with brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ that we both belong to, Kigula is the most consistent attendee I know. And when he is unable to attend, he will provide a detailed explanation before apologising for missing.

Kigula has lost his self-awareness in this world because he gained a deep awareness of himself in the LORD.

Chibita J. Mike 

Everything about Chibita is supreme. If your eyes do not reveal this to you, try a handshake with him.

Like Kigula, Chibita has accumulated enough credentials in this life to make him proud. But he is not.

Whenever I am in Chibita's presence, I am overwhelmed by the respect he accords me. He always patiently listens to me and never belittles anything I say. And as if that is not enough, he refers to me as "Sir" in speech and writing.

A humble servant of the LORD, Chibita is.

Kironde Mayinja Francis 

I did not know what Christian discipleship was until I met Kironde. I was a student at Makerere University when he invited me, along with other young men, to a discipleship relationship.

Through that discipleship journey, Kironde left no part of his life hidden from us. He allowed us to see and know him in strength and weakness and how, through them all, God was at work in and through him.

Kironde taught me to appreciate the Christian faith not as a religion (mainly characterised by dos and don'ts) but rather a way of life (an intimate relationship with God) where an individual allows the Holy Spirit to lead and influence every sphere of life.

The Great Commission by Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:19-20 is not for His disciples to tell other people about Him but rather to teach them to obey everything He has commanded. And Kironde modelled this excellently.

Mutesasira K. Leonard

Mutesasira is an astute businessman whose generosity will, ironically, leave anyone wondering if he has any interest in money.

I have known and benefited from some initiatives that Mutesasira has provided resources for. For my entrepreneurship ventures, he extended venture capital, accepting my losses as his own.

Mutesasira has modelled a generosity, motivated not by what is in it for him, but by the need he can meet.

Ssennyonjo Francis 

Everything about Ssennyonjo can be described in one word: dependable.

He and I have been part of some initiatives and endeavours. And one thing that has stood out over the years is that I can always count on Ssennyonjo's audience as a brother in Jesus Christ to offer loving advice informed by his deep understanding of God's word.

Ssennyonjo loves what pleases God and abhors what does not, in equal measure.

Nkurunziza Francis

That friend the Bible says sticks closer than a brother is Nkurunziza. Before he married, I considered myself Nkurunziza's housemate (although he paid all the bills).

I was at university when I met Nkurunziza. He loved me and welcomed me into his life like a little brother. Whenever I desired to watch movies on a big screen or sleep on a big bed (his bed), all I had to do was ask, and his home would be all mine. There was nothing I needed that Nkurunziza would not give me if I asked.

The only thing I misread was the lifts he always gladly offered me back to the hostel. I thought they were also part of his care for me, but the passing of time revealed they were a strategic move to secure the heart of his future wife, with whom I shared a hostel.

Haba Cypriano

Growing up, I looked at Haba's life with great admiration. He is God-fearing, truthful (even when it hurts), loving, and humble.

One day, Haba, who lives in Jinja district, called and insisted that we meet in Kampala district (where I was based). When we met and Haba revealed the purpose for the meeting, I was left in awe.

Haba had travelled to Kampala to apologise to me. Not that I had anything against him, but rather because Haba felt he had offended me and needed to confess to me and ask for my forgiveness. I did not even know about the offence until he told me about it.

What a brother in Jesus Christ!

Uncle Rutafururwa Henry

Uncle Rutafururwa is a brother of my mother. During his time at university, he did something remarkable that became the cornerstone for our family's progress and prosperity. Using his students' allowance, Uncle Rutafururwa paid for the education of my mother and her siblings. 

Because of Uncle Rutafururwa’s sacrificial act, my mother was able to progress through education and acquired qualifications that earned her a job. With that job, she took care of all her children, ensuring we all got an education. Today, she holds a master's degree.

Although I was not there then, by loving my mother, Uncle Rutafururwa loved me. And I am eternally grateful!

Gentlemen, if any of you ever set out with the goal of passing on or imparting godly values, let this serve as proof—you have not laboured in vain. Though you are imperfect men, you have left perfect marks on my life, as I believe you have on many others as well.

To my dear future wife: if any of these men ever comes home when it is chicken on the menu, serve him the gizzard.