New Release
My Father and I
A profound exploration of the spiritual, cultural, and personal dimensions of excellent fatherhood. Col. Edith Nakalema shares a moving tribute to the unmatched love and unshakable faith, guidance, strength, and legacy of the man who shaped her world.
Inside the Book
Click the pages or use the arrows to browse
Words of Affirmation
A Note from the Foreword
"I have been able to observe Mzee Sserwadda’s attributes of devotion to God, integrity, selfness and a spirit of service in his daughter, Col. Edith Nakalema. This is what has enabled her to make a patriotic contribution in the Ugandan army and public service.
The late Omuburizi Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda will always be remembered for his lifelong commitment to serving God and the Church. Although he is no longer in our midst, his memory and legacy will remain as an inspiration to the present and succeeding generations."
H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda
Endorsement
"This book is a profound reminder that the values instilled within a family are the very foundation upon which a nation is built. Col. Nakalema’s tribute to her father is both deeply personal and universally inspiring."
Hon. Maama Janet Kataha Museveni
First Lady & Minister of Education & Sports, Republic of Uganda
Note
"My father Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda was a modest man whose unmatched love, unshakable faith, hard work and constant presence in our lives made us responsible citizens. I wrote this book to share the profound impact of intentional fatherhood.
I note that it is neither wealth nor elite education that most profoundly shapes a child’s destiny; it is a father's presence, his tender love, moral guidance, and spiritual leadership.
These are the foundations that build character, nurture contentment, instill confidence and raise responsible citizens who will in turn, become faithful parents themselves.
If my story can inspire even one father, to give his children the
priceless gift of intentional presence, then my father’s life of productive love and dedicated service to all, will continue to bless generations yet to come"
Col. Edith Nakalema Asizua
Author · Founder, Reverend Sserwadda Foundation
Learn More About Her WorkWhat They Are Saying
The book illustrates how fathers can profoundly impact their children's lives through acts of kindness, listening, and leading by example. For fathers who may feel they have fallen short, Nakalema's narrative serves as a gentle encouragement that it is never too late to change.
Hon. Lady Justice Catherine Bamugemereire
Justice of the Supreme Court
It is a thrilling testimony of how one of the least educated church ministers in Ankole, Rev. Eliasaph Sserwadda, became an influential community transformer, leaving an indelible mark on his children, the church and all the communities where he served with dedication.
Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi
Vice Chancellor Uganda Christian University
Those who knew Omuburizi Taata Eliasaph Sserwadda invariably describe the amazing love that filled and overflowed from him to his family and the communities he served without reservation.
Can. Dr. Ruth Senyonyi
Chairperson, Uganda AIDS Commission
The book opens our eyes to a man who was a very big tree that provided shade to many people, as it belonged not to him but to God.
The Very Rev. Can. Dr. Rebecca Margret Nyegenye
Provost, All Saints Cathedral Nakasero
Using her own life, the author introduces us to the power of intentional fatherhood, which shaped her life, her siblings' and of many others whom the humble lay preacher Eliasaph Sserwadda touched, including a rural boy whom he gave a 15 kilometre lift on his manual bicycle that lifted him growing into a prosperous Member of Parliament.
Prof. Bruce J. Kirenga
Principal, MakCHS & Founder, Makerere University Lung Institute
While this is a family story, it is an account that resonates with families and communities, from where all of us come, and is replete with lessons valuable enough for every reader to take home.
Mr. David Ssepuya
Former Chief Editor, New Vision
Col. Nakalema's story with her father reminds us that the role of fatherhood that is often overlooked. Rev Sserwadda's "trusty old bicycle" for example was just one of the many ordinary things that he used in combination with his metal work to achieve extraordinary results like giving scholarships to many children and raising health standards in many communities where he preached.
Mr. Phillip Matogo
Senior Journalist