By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA,
The Ugandan academic and renowned media scholar, Dr. Brian Semujju, has died after battling with cancer. He passed away this evening at a hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment.
Dr. Semujju, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, had been battling illness for several months but showed signs of recovery earlier this year. He resumed lecturing, much to the joy of his colleagues and students. His return was seen as a testament to his dedication to education and communication scholarship.
However, sources close to the family and Makerere University have confirmed that his condition worsened in recent weeks. Medical reports indicate that he had been quietly battling cancer, a diagnosis that he kept largely private while continuing to fulfill his academic duties.
Born in Uganda, Dr. Semujju earned his BA in Mass Communication from Uganda Christian University and went on to obtain an MA in Journalism and Communication from Makerere University. He later received his PhD in Journalism and Media Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Throughout his career, Dr. Semujju was known for his critical work on community media, including the study of Community Audio Towers (CATs), media ethics, and the role of ICT in local governance. He authored numerous academic papers and contributed to African and global media discourse with insight and passion.
Dr. Semujju also previously worked as a journalist, including as a features writer for New Vision and founding editor of The Standard, a community newspaper at Uganda Christian University.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Semujju. Your voice will echo through the lecturerooms and writings you left behind.
