JAMES SAAKA SEBUKO December 12, 2020

Born: 13^th April 1962

Died:  9^th December 2020

 Parents: The Late Edward Batimbo Sebuko and The Late Nabatanzi Aisha

Children:

1. Solome Nanziri
2. Anthony Zebalaba
3. Julian Siita
4. Trevor Saaka
5. Vine Namayanja
6. Cathy Nassaka
7. Ethan Saaka
8. Ariella Nantuma
9. Irene Namukasa

Son in law: William Mealin

Daughter in law: Anne-Isabelle Marie Zebalaba

Grandchildren:

1. Denise Mealin
2. Destiny Mealin
3. Stuart Mealin
4. Alexandra Sophie Namayanja

 Education and Career Background:

 Celebrating a Visionary Leader

“If we wake up one day and all Ugandans can access all government services online, then we can perhaps call it a day. Until that day, we and our partners will continue to strive to entrench the eGovernment culture within not only our systems but our core beliefs.” James always said these words to his team at the National Information Technology Authority (NITA-U) whenever a significant milestone was reached. For him it was never a time to put the foot off the accelerator; it was great job, let’s keep moving.

Today we celebrate a Visionary Leader, a Father, a Friend and a Mentor who often reminded those that had the privilege of interacting with him that Excellence was not a destination but rather a journey.

James who served as Executive Director of the National Information Technology Authority from 2010 to 2020 served with distinction.

Under his leadership, the Authority registered tremendous strides in digitizing the Uganda including the operationalization, commercialization and extension of the National Backbone infrastructure to over 4000 kilometers, a drastic reduction in internet prices by 94%, the launching of a tier 3 National data center hosting over 473 applications and the launching and operationalization of numerous electronic services for Government among others.

During his tenure he fought to create an enabling environment for ICT to flourish by ensuring that the right laws, regulations and Policies are put in place. In addition, he saw that Government put in place a Certification Framework to ensure improved quality of IT products and services. He was Member of the Board at National Identification & Registration Authority and also the President of the ISACA-Kampala Chapter.

Before joining NITA-U, James served in various positions as a Business Services Manager – Strategy & Compliance for the Shell Group based in The Hague, Netherlands; the Information Security Manager for Shell operations, working out of Cape Town, South Africa; the IT Manager for Shell Uganda/Rwanda; and the Computer Services Manager at Pan World Insurance Co. He started his career in Bank of Uganda as a systems analyst in 1993.

He graduated from the University of Vladimir Polytechnic Institute, The Soviet Union, with a Bachelors in Computer Science in 1988 and a Masters in Computer Science in 1991

James started his Primary Education at Fairway Primary School Mbale, his Secondary Education at St Henry’s College Kitovu and his A’level at Caltec Academy Makerere.

James has been a great father, a Mentor and Friend to many.

Thank you James for your visionary leadership. The lessons you taught will never be forgotten. They will remain with us forever as your candle continues to shine bright.

Rest in peace, James Saaka.

Burial will take place on Saturday 12^th December, 2020 at Ninzi-Kalisizo, Masaka starting at 11:00am.