By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
OBITUARY
The medical laboratory community is in mourning following the passing of Senior Laboratory Scientist Joseph Ndarubwine, a revered academic whose encyclopedic knowledge of clinical chemistry inspired generations of students.
Known affectionately as a “clinical chemistry encyclopedia,” Ndarubwine was famed for his ability to lecture for hours armed with nothing more than a box of chalk, delivering complex material entirely from memory. His students recall his teaching style as both rigorous and captivating, a hallmark of his dedication to advancing medical science education.
Tragedy deepened when news broke that his father, Senior Ndarubwine Daniel Mikaro, passed away shortly after his son. The elder Ndarubwine succumbed to cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute, where he had been receiving treatment.
Beyond the classroom, Joseph Ndarubwine distinguished himself as a researcher in health sciences. Associated with the Department of Medical Laboratory Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, he collaborated with colleagues such as Simon Peter Rugera. His work included studies on insulin therapy among diabetic patients in rural Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting his commitment to addressing pressing health challenges in underserved communities.
For many in the fraternity, Ndarubwine’s passing represents the loss of not just a mentor but a living repository of scientific wisdom. His dual role as educator and researcher bridged theory and practice, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape medical laboratory science across the region.
As colleagues, students and family grieve, tributes highlight his humility, brilliance and unwavering devotion to the advancement of health sciences. The double loss of father and son has cast a shadow over the fraternity, yet their contributions remain a beacon for future generations.
